For the identification of insects and other fauna and flora of South Africa.

Friday, December 7, 2012

Black Thorn (Acacia Mellifera)

Family Mimosoideae

A small tree up to 8m in height occurring in dry bushveld.
 The hooked thorns can be a pest when walking in the bush as you just detach yourself from one and the other gets you. :)

The pods, young twigs, leaves and flowers are highly nutritious and gladly sought after by cattle and game.

The wood is used as fuel and the dark heartwood becomes almost black when oiled and highly polished.
Info: Trees of Southern Africa (Palgrave)