Fabaceae-Mimosaceae

Vachellia oerfota var. oerfota

Orfot

Shrub

Common species

Size

Quantity

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About

This grey-green, multi-stemmed shrub typically reaches 1-5 metres in height, branching profusely from its base. It features distinctive short, conical, white thorns often pointing backwards, and produces fragrant, whitish flowers in rounded clusters. Crushed or cut bark and leaves emit an unpleasant odour.

Where it works in Kilifi

Ideal for restoration plantings in sunny, well-drained, silty alluvial soils, even in areas with low rainfall. Its thorny nature could make it suitable for a protective hedge or a drought-tolerant specimen in arid and semi-arid garden settings.

Growing notes

This species is highly drought-tolerant once established, thriving in conditions with annual rainfall below 100mm. It is a nitrogen-fixing plant, improving soil fertility, but its foliage can accumulate hydrogen cyanide during droughts, posing a risk to grazing animals.

Sources

Researched with web grounding from: feedipedia.org, grokipedia.com, wikipedia.org, theseedybusiness.com, theferns.info. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.