Strychnos spinosa, the Natal orange, is a tree indigenous to tropical and subtropical Africa. It produces, sweet-sour, yellow fruits, containing numerous hard brown seeds. Greenish-white flowers grow in dense heads at the ends of branches (Sep-Feb/Spring - summer). The fruits tend to appear only after good rains. It is related to the deadly Strychnos nux-vomica, which contains strychnine. The smooth, hard fruit are large and green, ripen to yellow colour. Inside the fruit are tightly packed seeds, which may be toxic, surrounded by a fleshy, brown, edible covering. Animals such as baboon, monkeys, bushpig, nyala and eland eat the fruit. The leaves are a popular food source for browsers such as duiker, kudu, impala, steenbok, nyala and elephant.
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Perennial
Lifespan
Shrub
Plant Type
1 m to 9 m
Plant Height
3 m to 5 m
Spread
Green
Leaf Color
20 - 38 ℃
Ideal Temperature
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Images
Distribution
Care Guide
Images of Natal orange
Distribution of Natal orange
Distribution Map
Natal orange is a plant with a natural range that spans across different parts of the African continent, primarily within sub-Saharan regions and towards the southeastern areas. It flourishes in diverse ecosystems across this broad geographical expanse, from coastal belts to savannas and woodlands. While traditionally not cultivated, natal orange has established its presence in a variety of African biomes, proving its adaptability without deliberate human propagation.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Introduced
No species reported
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Habitat
Bushveld, riverine fringes, sand forest, coastal bush
Hemisphere Trend Curve
Northern
Sorthern
Care Guide for Natal orange
Every 2-3 weeks
Water
Full sun
Sunlight
20 - 38 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Water:
Natal orange, native to arid African regions, demonstrates exceptional drought tolerance and requires watering every 2-3 weeks. Thriving in savannas, it efficiently stores water, making it ideal for xeriscaping and rock gardens where irrigation is limited.
Pruning:
Natal orange requires selective pruning in early to late winter during dormancy to shape the plant and remove dead branches. Light trimming maintains its natural form, while thinning congested areas improves airflow and reduces disease risk, enhancing fruit production and aesthetic appeal.
Propagation:
Propagation of natal orange requires clean cuttings and potentially rooting hormones for success. Place cuttings in well-draining soil, maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging, and provide a warm, humid environment with partial shade. Regular monitoring for rot and pests is essential for healthy growth.
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