Red thorn
Acacia lahai
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.
Also as Mimosaceae.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It is resistant to drought and grows in stony and rocky sites. It occurs between 1,200-1,650 m above sea level and can be higher. It grows where the average temperature is 21°-40°C and the mean annual rainfall is 250-750 mm. It grows on neutral or alkaline soils that are well-drained.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, East Africa, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Middle East, Niger, Nigeria, Sahel, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Yemen, Uganda
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Gum
How it is grown
Plants are grown from seeds. It can be managed by lopping.
It grows quickly.
Its other names
Local names
Ematso, Kaimet, Lehai