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Acacia abyssinica

Scientific Name: Acacia abyssinica

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Flat Top Acacia (Vachellia abyssinica)

The Flat Top Acacia, scientifically known as Vachellia abyssinica, is also commonly referred to as the Abyssinia Acacia, Umbrella Thorn, or Flat-top acacia.

Considerations for Pets

  • This acacia has thorns that are described as variable.
  • Aromatic gum can ooze from injured trunks.

Considerations for Children

  • This acacia has thorns that are described as variable.
  • Aromatic gum can ooze from injured trunks.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Vachellia abyssinica (Hochst. ex Benth.) Kyal. & Boatwr.
  • Synonym: Acacia abyssinica Hochst. ex Benth.
  • Family: Leguminosae (Fabaceae)
  • Subspecies:
    • Acacia abyssinica subsp. abyssinica
    • Acacia abyssinica subsp. calophylla Brenan

Distribution and Habitat

  • The Flat Top Acacia is native to East Africa.
  • Specific locations mentioned include the Mbeya Mountains in Tanzania and Ethiopia (Abyssinia).
  • It is often found in highland areas.

Morphological Characteristics

  • It is a deciduous tree, typically reaching up to 20 meters in height, but often described up to 16m.
  • It has a distinct flat-topped shape.
  • The bark is dark, rough, and brown on older trees, while younger trees have reddish-brown to pale yellowish-brown bark that peels off in papery wads.
  • Thorns are variable in size.
  • White flowers bloom in the spring.

Ecological Role

  • The tree attracts birds, butterflies, and mammals.
  • It can improve soil fertility by maintaining soil organic matter and potentially through biological nitrogen fixation and nutrient uptake.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Attracts birds, butterflies and mammals.

Traditional Uses

  • In some regions, the sap from the leaves is traditionally applied to goiters.

Further Information

  • World Agroforestry Centre, Nairobi: switchboard@cgiar.org
  • B and T World Seeds' database
  • Interim Register of Marine and Nonmarine Genera checklist
  • Wikimedia Commons
  • SelecTree: Tree Detail