Vachellia karroo

Vachellia karroo
Vachellia karroo

Common names: sweet thorn (English). 
Botanical name: Vachellia karroo

The sweet thorn, Vachellia karroo (formerly known as Acacia karroo), is one of South Africa’s most beautiful and useful trees, with a history of providing various materials and medicines for people and animals. Traditionally used as a remedy for wounds, eye infections, and colds. It has a rounded crown of dark green, finely textured leaves and bright yellow, sweetly scented flowers that attract many insects and birds. It can grow up to 12m tall in a variety of habitats. It is a fast-growing and adaptable pioneer, able to withstand frost and drought, and can be grown from seed. It makes a striking garden specimen or a windbreak for small holdings and farms.

Uses & Benefits: bonsai, firewood, food, hedge, medicine, pot plant

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Nature & Cultivation

Family: Fabaceae
Type: tree
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Flower colour: yellow
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Plant-animal interactions: bees, birds, butterflies
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Use as Medicine

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