Swollen-spined acacia
Acacia luederitzii var. retinens

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

A Mediterranean and subtropical climate plant. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Botswana, East Africa, Eswatini, Mozambique, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Gum, fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Balloon thorn, Belly thorn, Lukhakho, Sibanbimphala

Synonyms

Acacia gillettiae Burtt Davy; Acacia retinens Sim;