Acacia sieberiana – Paperback Thorn Tree, Vachellia sieberiana

Description

A medium-size tree that will reach 20 to 25 m in height, distributed in sub-Saharan Africa, from Ethiopia, Sudan and Chad, down to South Africa. It has peeling, creamy-yellow bark, a spreading umbrella-shaped crown, branches armed with pairs of long, white thorns, feathery, dark-green foliage and a profusion of creamy-yellow, scented flowers followed by woody seed pods. Aside from its ornamental value, Acacia sieberiana has a number of medicinal applications and also produces an edible gum. It is drought resistant and grows well in tropical and some warm-temperate climates. For good germination, seeds should be immersed in boiling water and soaked overnight before sowing.