SafePlants

Vachellia erioloba: The Camel Thorn

Vachellia erioloba, commonly known as the camel thorn or giraffe thorn, is a fascinating legume native to southern Africa. Its local names include Kameeldoring (Afrikaans), Mogtlh (Tswana), and Mogohlo (Sotho). This hardy tree is well-adapted to arid environments and plays a significant role in its ecosystem.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Vachellia erioloba
• Common Names: Camel thorn, Giraffe thorn, Kameeldoring (Afrikaans), Mokala (Tswana), Mpatsaka (Sotho), Umwhohlo (Ndebele), Mogohlo (Sependi)
• Note: Some references may still list this plant under its former name, Acacia erioloba.

Considerations for Pets

• The name "Camel thorn" refers to the thorns present on the plant.
• Camel thorn is described as unpalatable and injurious to some animals.

Considerations for Children

• The name "Camel thorn" refers to the thorns present on the plant.

Distribution and Habitat

• Vachellia erioloba is found throughout southern Africa, including Namibia (even in the Namib Desert), Angola, Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Mozambique.
• It thrives in dry, rocky, and saline soils.

Ecological Role

• In some regions, such as Arizona and New Mexico (referring to Alhagi pseudalhagi also called Camelthorn), camel thorn is considered a noxious weed due to its ability to spread rapidly and its deep root system, which allows it to grow in unfavorable conditions.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• The camel thorn is a slow-growing tree or shrub.
• It grows well in poor soils and harsh environmental conditions.

Quirky Facts

• The name "camel thorn" does not refer to the animal, but rather to the presence of thorns on the plant.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Beetles and other insects frequently destroy the seed of Acacia erioloba (Camel Thorn), but sound seed is easily obtainable.

Synonyms and other plants with same common name

• Camelthorn (Alhagi pesudalhagi Bieb., synonym: A. maurorum Medik). Pea family (Fabaceae).
• Low spiny shrub (Alhagi camelorum) of the Arabian desert that yields manna.
• East Indian spiny shrub (Zizyphus).
• Alhagi pseudoalhagi (M.Bieb.)
• Alhagi Adans. spp.
• Acacia erioloba