Family Mimosoideae
This is one of the most attractive species of acacias in Africa. It often has one stem with branching commencing fairly high up, and a neat flattish crown.
It has an attractive, whitish stem when mature, with striking light yellow flowers that are sweetly scented.
The stem of younger trees appears yellowish with papery bark and persisting prickles. As it gets older, the bark gets smoother and whitish grey, with bark flakes sometimes present.
Young branches are covered in silvery hairs and the whole tree is covered in dark brown to black hooked thorns in pairs.
It is believed that certain dangerous animals are believed to dislike their smell and for this reason the wood is placed in the rafters of a house to ward off snakes and also in rivers at popular crossing points to deter crocodiles.
It is used as a remedy for snake bite and as in infusion in which to bathe children who are restless at night.
The wood burns well but the thorns make it very difficult to handle.
