Mimosaceae - Thorn-Tree family
SA Tree no 167
This tree enjoys all soil types, preferring brackish or clay soils, occurring in woodland and wooded grasslands. It is often found in large groups, especially in the basalt Ecozones.
This is a small to medium size tree 5 - 10 m, with very sparse density. It is a single-stemmed, slender Acacia, with a reddish bark on younger branches and trees. The bark may be rough or rather smooth.
The branches are covered with grey velvety hairs. Stipules spinescent, the spines usually being short, about 10 mm long, straight and very stout, but they are sometimes long, up to 50 - 60 mm; they may be slightly curved,and may have very thick almost inflated bases. The leaves seem to be attached directly to the large branches, forming a continuous green sleeve that covers the entire length of most branches. The canopy is sparse and often flattened on one side.With 5 - 12 pairs of pinnae, each bearing 10 to 28 pairs of leaflets; 3 - 7,5 x 1 - 2 mm, margins finely hair-fringed.
Links with animals - The pods and young shoots are eaten by baboon, the bark and leaves by black rhino and the foliage and seed by giraffe, duiker, kudu and steenbok.
Human uses - The bark contains constricting chemicals called tannins, which is used form medicinal purposes because of these properties. The inner bark is used to make twine.
Gardening - This tree will grow in most gardens, and is an attractive addition to the indigenous garden. It grows from seed, but is a slow grower, with some resistance to frost, and is draught resistant.
Leaves - Twice compound, dark green, crowded on the branches where they emerge. The leaf stalks and young twigs are covered with thick grey hairs. The leaves consist of 5 - 10 pairs of feathers and 15 - 20 pairs of of leaflets. Leaflets elliptic with fine hairs fringing the margin. (Leaf: 90 mm; leaflet: 3 - 7,5 x 1 - 2 mm)
Flowers - Conspicuous, round, creamy-white, sweet-scented flowers are crowded at the nodes next to the thorns, amongst the leaves, and appear from October to February. The flower stalks are long (30 mm) and covered with hairs (10 - 20 mm)
Pods - The sickle-shaped, flat pods are covered by fine, grey hairs and are borne in bunches. The fruit ripens from December to May, and bursts open while still on the tree. (80 - !60 X 6 - 16 mm)
Thorns - The paired thorns are normally shortish, straight and very stout. They may be slightly curved or have swollen bases. (10 mm)
Best places to see the Red Thorn in Southern Africa:
The Red Thorn is found in the Kruger National Park in the Mixed Bushwillow Woodlands, Pretoriuskop Sourveld, Malelane Mountain Bushveld, Knob Thorn / Marula Savannah, Delagoa Thorn Thickets & Lebombo Mountain Bushveld ecozones.
 Tree species of Southern Africa >> Printable Tree List <<
South African Trees >> Printable Tree List <<
The Plant Kingdom (Plantae)
Wildlife - Fauna & Flora of Southern Africa
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