Paperbark thorn
Vachellia sieberiana var. woodii

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A tree. The crown is flattened. The tree is 12 m high and the crown 16 m wide. The leaves are deep green and leathery. The bark is corky and yellow to brown. It peels off in flat strips. The flowers are pale yellow and round. They have a scent. There are thorns in pairs and they are long and straight. The fruit are light brown woody pods. They are cylinder shaped and thickened.

Also as Mimosaceae.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. Young plants need protection from frost. It can grow in areas with a temperature range of -2°C to 40 °C.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Botswana, East Africa, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Gum

How it is grown

It can be grown from seeds. The seeds should be put into boiling water then allowed to cool and soak overnight.

It is fast growing.

Its other names

Local names

Conga, Gunga, Musaunga, Nech-girar, N'roca, N'tshizime, Roca, umNganduzi

Synonyms

Acacia sieberiana var. vermoesenii (De Wild.) Keay & Brenan; Acacia sieberiana var. woodii (Burtt-Davy) Keay and Brenan; Acacia woodii Burtt Davy;