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Acacia sieberiana

Scientific Name: Acacia sieberiana

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Acacia sieberiana: The Paperbark Thorn

Acacia sieberiana, commonly known as the paperbark thorn or paperbark acacia, is a striking tree celebrated for its beauty and ecological significance.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant is known as the Paperbark Thorn, so it may possess thorns.
  • A new cyanogenic glycoside has been isolated from the pods of Acacia sieberiana var. woodii.

Considerations for Children

  • This plant is known as the Paperbark Thorn, so it may possess thorns.
  • A new cyanogenic glycoside has been isolated from the pods of Acacia sieberiana var. woodii.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Acacia sieberiana DC.
  • Common Names: Paperbark thorn, Paperbark acacia
  • Family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae), subfamily Mimosoideae
  • Synonyms:
    • Acacia abyssinica sensu auct.
    • Acacia amboensis Schinz
    • Acacia davyi sensu auct.
    • Acacia purpurascens Vatke
    • Acacia sieberana DC.
  • Varieties:
    • Acacia sieberiana var. sieberiana
    • Acacia sieberiana var. woodii (Burtt Davy) Keay & Brenan (= Vachellia sieberiana var. woodii)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to Africa and introduced into Pakistan.
  • Found in various regions, including KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa), northern Nigeria, Rwanda, and Uganda.
  • Observed along the Tamale-Yendi road in NSBPGHANA.

Ecological Role

  • Can be invasive in certain environments, such as ravines in KwaZulu-Natal.
  • Acacia trees have very long root systems (between 30-100m) that can restore and enhance the fertility of the soil by tapping into underground water deposits.

Morphological Characteristics

  • A perennial tree that typically grows to a height of 3-25 meters with a trunk diameter of 0.6-1.8 meters. Acacia sieberiana var. woodii can reach up to 17 meters.
  • Features deep green, feathery foliage with bi-pinnate leaves up to 7 inches long.
  • The rachis (leaf stalk) is pale green and very flexible.
  • Has a flat canopy.
  • Known for its light brown bark.

Traditional and Modern Uses

  • In Rwanda, remnant trees are left in pastures for shade or fodder, or planted in home gardens for ornamental purposes.
  • Dry pods are used as a supplement to low-quality forage diets for growing lambs in northern Nigeria.
  • Seeds have been evaluated as a potential dietary plant protein source for broilers.
  • Used in many areas.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • A study was conducted on how Acacia sieberiana responds to repeated burning in the Kidepo National Park in northeastern Uganda.

Further Information

  • Information available on Wikimedia Commons.
  • Illustration in the "Trees of Central Africa" by Coates Palgrave.
  • Study abstracts related to Acacia sieberiana DC.