THIS tree only occurs in the Kunene region from the Omaruru district northwards. The shiny swollen trunks topped by stiff erect branches are quite unusual and startling among the otherwise leafy vegetation, even a bit spooky in their starkness.Moisture is stored in the thick trunk, while the pale grey or whitish papery bark reflects heat and protects the plant from dehydration. The stiff branches bear three thorns at each node.
