No images found for this plant ID: 419.
Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "419" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.
Acacia mellifera
Scientific Name: Acacia mellifera
Family: Fabaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Senegalia mellifera subsp. mellifera
Senegalia mellifera subsp. mellifera, also known as Acacia mellifera (a commonly used synonym), and Black Thorn, is a shrub or small tree found in arid savannas. The Finnish common name is "Mesiakasia".
Considerations for Pets
- The plant is referred to as Black Thorn, suggesting the presence of thorns.
Considerations for Children
- The plant is referred to as Black Thorn, suggesting the presence of thorns.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Senegalia mellifera subsp. mellifera (M. Vahl) Seigler & Ebinger
- Synonyms: Acacia mellifera (M. Vahl) Benth., Acacia detinens Burch., Acacia senegal ssp. mellifera (Vahl) Roberty
- Family: Fabaceae - Mimosoideae (also referred to as Leguminosae)
- Rank: Subspecies
Distribution and Habitat
- Found in arid areas of Tanzania and widespread in the driest savannas.
- Has two separate distribution areas in Africa.
- Specifically mentioned in the Rift Valley, Kenya.
Morphological Characteristics
- Tall rounded shrub or small tree, occasionally reaching 9 meters in height in its southern limit.
- Typically under 7 meters in drier savannas.
- Has a ball-shaped crown.
- Acacia mellifera has dark green, bipinnate foliage with creamy white, sweetly scented.
Ecological Role
- Dominates semi-arid savannas, such as in South Africa where Acacia mellifera subsp. detinens (Black Thorn) forms almost pure stands.
- Fire and acacias are vital components in savanna dynamics.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Goats (specifically Tswana goats) have been studied in relation to being fed Acacia mellifera.
- Research indicates antimicrobial activity of extracts from this plant against various bacteria.
Further Information
- Information available in the Namibia Biodiversity Database concerning Acacia mellifera subsp. detinens.
- Taxonomic information can be found in the Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN), U.S. Department of Agriculture.
- Herbarium sheet available from the South African National Biodiversity Institute, Compton Herbarium, Cape Town (SAM).
- International Plant Names Index lists Acacia mellifera Benth.
- Interim Register of Marine and Nonmarine Genera lists Acacia mellifera (M. Vahl) Benth.