Cape-gum tree
Acacia horrida

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 plant. It will grow on most soils. It needs an open, sunny position. It is resistant to drought and frost.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Chile, East Africa, Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Myanmar, SE Asia, Somalia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Sudan, Uganda

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Gum, seeds

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Dornboom, Imarti, Sarmaan

Synonyms

Probably now Acacia karroo