Gymnosporia is an Old World genus of plants that comprise subshrubs, shrubs and trees. It was formerly considered congeneric with Maytenus, but more recent investigations separated it based on the presence of achyblasts (truncated branchlets) and spines, alternate leaves or fascicles of leaves, an inflorescence that forms a dichasium, mostly unisexual flowers, and fruit forming a dehiscent capsule, with an aril on the seed. The genus occurs in all of Africa, Madagascar and adjacent islands, southern Spain, the Middle East, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, southern China, Taiwan, the Ryukyu Islands, Malesia, and in Queensland, Australia. In the Afrotropical region the two main centers of diversity are in the south and the northeast.

Gymnosporia buxifolia commonly known as Spikethorn in English and Gewone Pendoring in Afrikaans is quite fast growing. This South African indigenous shrub or small tree has dangerously sharp, tough, and rigid green thorns that often exceeds 10cm in length. This species makes an ideal plant for impenetrable hedgerows and barrier hedges. The spines are said to have an irritant and toxic effect. The dense clusters of flowers cover the drooping branches. Skulking birds often seek protection in this dense shrub.