Search

Fascinating facts and beliefs about the devil’s thorn

The devil’s thorn contains saponins. These are chemicals that react with water to produce a slimy mucilage that acts like soap. To demonstrate, one must simply pick some of the leaves, add a few drops of water and rub one’s hands together. This mucilage acts as a great detergent, removing dirt particles and transporting them away from the surface, just like any household detergent!

Becoming sick while stranded in the bush is a recipe for disaster, so it’s good to know that Mother Nature has provided us with the ability to clean our hands before eating! Clothing can also be cleaned effectively using the devil’s thorn.

The name, devil’s thorn, comes from the shape of the seed, which is a robust oval parcel adorned with two sharp vertical-facing thorns. These thorns are reminiscent of the horns of the devil, and the plant’s scientific name (Dicerocaryum eriocarpum) also stems from the word “dikera”, which means “two horns”. These vicious-looking seeds are designed to stick into animals’ feet and hooves, in order to disperse them far from the parent plant.

There are many other beliefs and uses surrounding the devil’s thorn and its mucilage. Parts of the plant are soaked overnight in water, and the ensuing mucilage is used as a lubricant for both animal and human births. There are also reports that the birth canal can be dilated with its application. For livestock suffering from constipation, mucilage can also be used to aid in remedying the problem.

In the Okavango Delta in Botswana, hunters believe that bathing in an infusion of the roots, mixed with some other plants, will mean that a hunt will be successful. The Bayei tribe believe that if a man has sexual relations with a woman who has miscarried, he will die within 24 hours. The only remedy for this unfortunate situation is to visit a traditional healer.

The roots of the devil’s thorn are chopped, dried in the sun and then burnt. The man and woman must sit over the smoke, facing one another, and inhale it. After this, the plants’ remains are ground into a powder and applied to incisions made on the joints of the couple.   Following this ritual, the man and woman are free to indulge in … themselves, without the danger of premature death!

Photo credit: Tigris

About the Author:
Picture of Annemi Zaaiman

Annemi Zaaiman

Explore more

Blog

Career Pathways Beyond Field Guiding

Becoming a certified field guide is often seen as a dream job—immersed in the wild, leading guests through unforgettable encounters with Africa’s iconic wildlife, and spending every day surrounded by nature’s untamed beauty. Yet, many don’t realize that earning a field guide qualification is much more than a passport to life on safari and in the bush; it’s a gateway to many diverse and fulfilling careers.

Read more
Blog

What is a Primitive Trail?

Sleeping under the stars for a couple of nights, carrying everything you need on your back, immersing yourself with nature without any interruptions: A primitive trail is not only a big adventure but also the perfect opportunity to experience the bush on a deeper level. But what about water, food and basic hygiene? We answer all your questions.

Read more
Blog

What is an EcoTraining Field Guide Course?

EcoTraining’s Professional Field Guide course trains students to learn about the natural ecosystem and wildlife while getting hands-on experience in the bush to become remarkable Field Guides. EcoTraining provides a one-of-a-kind year-long field guide course that is certified and offers industry-level skills & mastery.

Read more

Start your wildlife career

Want to become a field or nature guide? Explore our immersive courses and training programmes for professional safari guides and guardians of nature, taught and led by experts in the industry.

EcoTraining offers career and accredited courses, wildlife enthusiast courses, gap year programmes and customised group travel courses.

Join our nature-loving community.