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camelthorn

Scientific Name: Alhagi maurorum

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Shrub

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Vachellia erioloba: The Camel Thorn

Vachellia erioloba, commonly known as the camel thorn or giraffe thorn, is a legume native to southern Africa. Its Afrikaans name is Kameeldoring, in Tswana it's called Mogtlh, and in Sotho, Mogohlo.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant is known to have thorns.
  • It is described as unpalatable and potentially injurious to some animals.

Considerations for Children

  • The plant is known to have thorns.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Vachellia erioloba
  • Common Names: Camel thorn, Giraffe thorn, Kameeldoring (Afrikaans), Mokala (Tswana), Mpatsaka (Sotho), Umwhohlo (Ndebele), Mogohlo (Sependi)
  • Family: Fabaceae (Pea family)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Vachellia erioloba is found in southern Africa, specifically in Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Mozambique.
  • It thrives in dry, rocky, saline soil.
  • It is commonly found throughout Namibia, including the Namib Desert.

Ecological Role

  • In some regions, Vachellia erioloba is considered a weed due to its ability to grow successfully in harsh conditions.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Camel thorn is a deciduous shrub or tree.
  • It grows well in poor soils and harsh environmental conditions.
  • The stems are hairy when young and become woody as it matures.

Quirky Facts

  • The name "camel thorn" does not refer to a camel, but rather to the plant's ability to thrive in arid environments, similar to camels.