Umbrella Thorn
Acacia tortilis
Height: | Up to 21m |
Family: | Fabaceae |
Fruit: | Seed pods |
The Umbrella Thorn Acacia is native to the savannahs of Africa and is common in the Serengeti. However, this photo was taken in the Ruaha National Park, Tanzania.
As the name suggests, it is "umbrella-shaped". The flowers are white and appear in clusters. They are very aromatic. It has both hooked and straight thorns. It is very tolerant to drought.
This tree is widely used for a
number of purposes - wood for furniture, foliage and seeds for animal
fodder, sap for Gum Arabic.
Click on any of the photographs on this site to see a larger image.