Fabaceae-Mimosaceae
Senegalia adenocalyx
Small-leaved acacia
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
This scrambling shrub or liane often climbs into surrounding trees, featuring slender stems and branches that may coil to aid its ascent. It has small, hooked thorns scattered along its stems, rather than in pairs. Leaves consist of 8-23 pairs of pinnae with many tiny leaflets, and its flowers appear in terminal panicles of white spherical heads. The oblong pods are stiffly papery, 5-15 cm long, dehiscent, and dotted with minute brown glands.
Where it works in Kilifi
Native to sand forests and coastal scrub from Kenya to Zimbabwe, this species is well-suited for full sun in well-drained, sandy soils typical of the Kilifi coast. Its scrambling and climbing habit makes it ideal for restoration, informal hedging, or as a screening plant.
Growing notes
Growing as a scrambling shrub, liane, or small tree, it is likely to establish at a moderate to fast rate. Once established, it is expected to be drought-tolerant, consistent with other Senegalia species found in similar arid and semi-arid regions. Handle with care due to its scattered hooked thorns.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: zimbabweflora.co.zw, pfaf.org, wildflower.org, ox.ac.uk, bushwise.co.za. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.