Umbrella thorn
Vachellia tortilis subsp. heteracantha

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A shrub or tree. It grows 1-20 m tall. It is small and thorny and has a flat top. The thorns are straight and stout. They are white and can be 7 cm long. These can be replaced by short sharp hooks. It loses its leaves during the year. The leaves are 3 cm long with up to 10 pairs of pinnae and 20 pairs of leaflets. These are 2 mm long by 0.5 mm wide. The flowers are in small groups. They are round and 8 mm across. The flowers are white. The fruit are much twisted. They are 8 cm long, but twisted.

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 is tolerant of drought. It is resistant to frost. It grows in areas with an annual rainfall above 150 mm. It grow between 30-1,600 m above sea level. It can grow on alkaline soils. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

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

How it is used for food

The gum is eaten. The fruit pods have the seeds removed and the pulp is boiled with milk, blood or water to make an edible porridge. Corn can be added. The pods are eaten as a snack.

The gum is eaten especially by children.

Edible parts

Gum, bark, leaves, fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds. The seeds are removed from the pod and have boiling water poured over them then allowed to soak overnight. They are then planted in fertile soil.

It grows at a medium rate.

Its other names

Local names

Ingoka, Isanqawe, Lisasa, Makoka, Mosu, Munga, Musu, Muswu, Muungakhanga, Narab, Naras, Sessana, Siriri, Sitfetfe, Tafelboom, Umgamba, Umlaladwayi, Umsasane, Unsasane, Withaakdoring

Synonyms

Acacia heteracantha Burchell; Acacia likatunensis Burchell; Acacia maras Engl.; Acacia spirocarpoides Engl.;