Black thorn, Hook-thorn
Acacia mellifera subsp. detinens

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 5 m tall. There are prickles along the stem. The leaves are twice divided and there are 8-18 pairs of pinnae. There are up to 50 pairs of pinnules on each pinnae. The flowers are yellow. They are in large clusters at the ends of branches. The pods are flattened.

There are about 1,350 Acacia species. Over 1,000 occur in Australia. Also as Mimosaceae.

Where it is found

It is a tropical and subtropical plant. It grows in dry bushveld. It is often on sand and semi-desert. It can tolerate drought and frost. It grows in areas with annual rainfalls between 60-1,300 mm. The dry season can be 6-11 months. It can grow in salty and alkaline soils. It grows from sea level to 1,800 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Australia, Botswana, Central Africa, East Africa, Eswatini, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The edible gum is produced when branches are damaged. The roots are used to sour milk and as a curdling agent.

The gum is enjoyed especially by children.

Edible parts

Gum, leaves, fruit, pods

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds. The seeds can be soaked in hot water overnight then planted. It is best grown in a nursery in sand then transplanted early without damaging the taproot.

It grows at a moderate rate.

Its other names

Local names

Katogwa, Magokwe, Mongana, Monka, Muguhungu, Mukotokwa, Oiti, Omuzoana, Swarthaak, Umngaga

Synonyms

Acacia detinens Burch.;