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Acacia mellifera ssp. detinens

Scientific Name: Acacia mellifera ssp. detinens

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Senegalia mellifera subsp. detinens

Also known as Acacia mellifera subsp. detinens (a synonym), and commonly referred to as Black Thorn, this plant is a subspecies within the Senegalia mellifera/Acacia mellifera complex.

Considerations for Pets

  • The common name, Black Thorn, suggests the plant may possess thorns or sharp edges.

Considerations for Children

  • The common name, Black Thorn, suggests the plant may possess thorns or sharp edges.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Preferred Scientific Name: Acacia mellifera
  • Accepted Scientific Name: Senegalia mellifera subsp. detinens (Burch.) Kyal. &amp Boatwr.
  • Synonyms:
    • Acacia mellifera subsp. detinens (Burch.) Brenan
    • Acacia mellifera ssp. detinens (Burch.)Brenan
    • Acacia detinens Burch.
  • Family: FABACEAE (also mentioned as Leguminosae and Mimosaceae)
  • Basionym: Acacia detinens Burch.
  • Rank: Subspecies

Distribution and Habitat

  • Found in semi-arid savannas, including those of South Africa, Namibia and Botswana, specifically NE of Gaborone.
  • Observed in dry northern regions alongside other Acacia species.
  • Also seen in the Rift Valley, Kenya, with A. mellifera ssp. mellifera
  • Occurs along rivers, growing with species like Acacia erioloba and others.

Ecological Role

  • Can form almost pure stands in certain areas.
  • In some regions, it is considered an invasive species.
  • Mentioned in the context of soil enrichment.

Morphological Characteristics

  • The species (Acacia mellifera ssp. detinens) is described as generally erect, with a bare stem in the lower part and many ramifications.
  • Fruit and seeds are considered important plant parts. Heartwood described as dark brown to greenish black.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Acacia laeta is considered a hybrid of A. mellifera with A. senegal var.
  • Phoma glomerata has been found as an endophyte on blackthorn (Acacia mellifera ssp. detinens) in Namibia.

Further Information

  • Herbarium specimens are held at the South African National Biodiversity Institute, Compton Herbarium, Cape Town (SAM).
  • Information can be found in the Encyclopedia of Life, Discover Life, and The Plant List.
  • NCBI Taxonomy also includes information on this subspecies.
  • IPNI (International Plant Names Index) and the Australian National Botanic Gardens provide additional data.