White thorn, White-galled acacia
Acacia seyal

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.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, East Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gambia, Kenya, North Africa, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda, West Africa

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Gum, bark - tea

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Adigento, Kinyua, Kisea, Makani, Mgunga, Oleregat, Ole-rai, Wacho, Wachu

Synonyms

Acacia fistula Schweinf.; Acacia stenocarpa A. Rich.; and others