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umbrella thorn

Scientific Name: Acacia tortilis

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Umbrella Thorn Acacia (Vachellia tortilis)

The Umbrella Thorn Acacia, scientifically known as Vachellia tortilis (formerly Acacia tortilis), is a well-recognized tree of the African savanna. Its distinctive umbrella-shaped canopy makes it an iconic feature of the landscape.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text mentions that browsing animals eat the leaves together with the thorns, especially when the thorns are young and soft.

Considerations for Children

  • The text mentions that browsing animals eat the leaves together with the thorns, especially when the thorns are young and soft.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

  • Scientific Name: Vachellia tortilis (Forssk.) Galasso &amp Banfi. The plant was attributed to the Vachellia genus by APG III.
  • Synonym: Acacia tortilis.
  • Common Names: Umbrella thorn acacia, Umbrella thorn, Israeli babool, sejal, talha. It is also known as "haak-en-steek" in Afrikaans.
  • The name Acacia is derived from the Greek word "akis" meaning a point or a barb.

Distribution and Habitat

  • The Umbrella Thorn is native to arid and semi-arid areas of Africa.
  • It thrives in sand dunes and rocky grounds of Africa's grasslands.
  • It is also found in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where populations exhibit an unusual tilted canopy architecture.
  • Commonly found in Namibia and the Zambezi Region.

Morphological Characteristics

  • It is a medium to large tree with a distinct flat-topped, umbrella shape.
  • The tree can grow up to 12 meters high, with single or several stems branching from the base.
  • It has a wide, rounded, or flat-topped crown.
  • The bark is grey-brown.
  • It has spiny branches.
  • Drought-resistant.

Ecological Role

  • It is a flagship species of acacia tree in the African savanna.
  • It provides protection for many bird species.
  • According to savannah literature, grasses utilize the topsoil water while tree roots have exclusive access to deeper water.

Quirky Facts

  • A kilogram of Vachellia tortilis seed contains roughly 32,000 seeds.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • The leaves and pods are eaten by wild and domestic animals.
  • Many bird species utilize the tree for protection.

Further Information

  • ARKive (for Umbrella thorn videos, photos, and facts).
  • Encyclopedia of Life (for comprehensive details).
  • Dave's Garden.