Umbrella Thorn

Vachellia tortilis

Physical Characteristics

Vachellia tortilis is an evergreen Tree growing to 15 m (49ft) by 15 m (49ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Bees. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline and saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

Africa - semi-arid areas from S. Africa to the Sahel and also to Israel and Arabia.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed Seedpod Stem Edible Uses: Gum A porridge is made from the pods after extracting the seed[303 ]. The immature seeds are eaten[46 ]. An edible gum is obtained from the stems[775 ]. Of moderate quality[775 ].

Medicinal Uses

Anthelmintic Antiasthmatic Antidiarrhoeal Disinfectant Skin The dried, powdered bark is used as a disinfectant in healing wounds[303 ]. In Senegal the powdered bark is used as an anthelmintic and is dusted on to skin ailments[269 , 303 ]. The stem is used to treat asthma[303 ]. Seeds are taken to treat diarrhoea[303 ].

Known Hazards

There are unconfirmed allegations that the foliage can be toxic to livestock[269 ].