Lycium ferocissimum

This erect, woody shrub  grows 2–3 m tall and spreads about 3 m wide. The red berries, that are borne sporadically throughout the year and make it a perfect plant to attract birds, small animals and insects to the Reserve.  

It has an extensive root system that is composed of small roots that spread laterally from the plant, but are generally not deep. 

The branches carry small shoots, which have clusters of leaves that are surrounded at the base by small, light-brown scales. The stems are smooth and light brown, but become grey and rough as they mature. 

The leaves are oval in shape, bright green and somewhat fleshy, usually borne in groups of 5–12 at the nodes of the stem.

The fragrant flowers are either solitary or in pairs, emerging from the leaf axils and are white or pale lilac, with darker purple markings from the throat. The flowers occur normally in winter and spring, but will also do so after rain in any season.

Smooth egg-shaped or rounded berries, with small raised dots, follow after flowering, starting off green and then turning orange-red or bright red when mature.  Seed from these plants is dispersed in the droppings of birds and small animals.