SafePlants

Umbrella Thorn (Vachellia tortilis)

The Umbrella Thorn, scientifically known as Vachellia tortilis, is a classic tree of the African savanna. Formerly classified as Acacia tortilis, it was reclassified by APG III into the Vachellia genus.

Considerations for Pets

• Browsing animals eat the leaves together with the thorns, especially when the thorns are young and soft.
• It produces pods that are eaten by wild and domestic animals.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• Scientific Name: Vachellia tortilis (formerly Acacia tortilis)
• Common Names: Umbrella Thorn, Umbrella Thorn Acacia, Israeli Babool, Sejal, Talha
• Family: Fabaceae (implied, though not explicitly stated)
• Genus: Vachellia
• Note: Acacia is derived from the Greek word "akis," meaning a point or barb.

Distribution and Habitat

• A flagship species of acacia tree found in the African savanna.
• Grows in sand dunes and rocky grounds of Africa's grasslands.
• Widely distributed in seasonally dry areas of Africa.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Small to medium-sized evergreen tree or shrub, growing up to 12 meters high.
• Distinct flat-topped, umbrella-shaped canopy.
• Bark is grey-brown.
• Can have single or several stems branching from the base.
• Crown can be wide, rounded, or flat-topped.

Ecological Role

• Grasses utilize topsoil water, while tree roots have exclusive access to deeper water, creating a clear niche separation in the savanna ecosystem.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The tree is valuable to both herbivores and other animals.
• Many bird species take advantage of the protection the tree offers.
• Weaver birds build nests in the tree.

Quirky Facts

• Acacia tortilis pods are used as famine food in eastern Africa.
• A kilogram of seed contains roughly 32,000 seeds.

Further Information

• ARKive: Contains Umbrella Thorn videos, photos and facts.
• Encyclopedia of Life: Includes comprehensive details and articles.
• HPTWare: Africa Tree Pack includes templates for Forester Pro.