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karroothorn

Scientific Name: Acacia karroo

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Karroo Thorn (Acacia karroo)

The Karroo Thorn, scientifically known as Acacia karroo, is a versatile tree or shrub recognized by several common names, highlighting its various characteristics and regional presence.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant is known to form dense, thorny thickets.
  • Sharp thorns are a defining feature.

Considerations for Children

  • The plant is known to form dense, thorny thickets.
  • Sharp thorns are a defining feature.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Acacia karroo Hayne
  • Family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae)
  • Synonyms: Vachellia karroo (Hayne) Banfi & Galasso; also historically referred to as Mimosa horrida
  • Common Names: Sweet Thorn, Cockspur Thorn, Cape Gum, Mimosa Thorn, Sweet-thorn, Karroothorn, Cape Thorn Tree, Gum Arabic Tree, S Thorn

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to southern Africa, ranging from southern Angola east to Mozambique and south to South Africa.
  • Well-suited to Australia's rangelands and has been widely planted in botanic gardens and zoos in South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales.

Ecological Role and Invasive Potential

  • Considered an environmental weed and is on the Alert List for Environmental Weeds in Australia, where it threatens biodiversity.
  • Known to form dense, thorny thickets, which can be particularly problematic in rangeland environments.
  • Classified as 'doubtfully naturalised' in Queensland.
  • Listed as an invasive species in Portugal.
  • Potentially could invade large areas of South West, Western Australia.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Grows as a shrub or tree, reaching up to 15 meters in height.
  • Bark is rough and varies in color from dark red-brown to black.
  • Leaves are light green and fern-like, growing up to 12 cm long.

Quirky Facts

  • Historically used in South Africa for a variety of purposes, from raft-making to sewing.

Further Information

  • Encyclopedia of Life: http://eol.org/pages/685899/names/
  • Dave's Garden
  • University of Arizona Pima County Cooperative Extension
  • CRC for Australian Weed Management
  • Commonwealth Department of the Environment and Heritage
  • Biologische Anstalt Helgoland: www.biolib.de (GFDL licensed images)