Fabaceae-Mimosaceae
Senegalia brevispica
Flat-topped Thorn
T
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
This distinctive flat-topped thorn tree is known for its dense, spreading canopy and often multi-stemmed growth habit. It features pale, papery bark, sharp hooked thorns, and fragrant creamy-white flower spikes, followed by thin, flat pods.
Where it works in Kilifi
Thriving in full sun and well-drained soils, this tree makes an excellent specimen for its unique crown shape or as a robust shade provider. Its thorny branches also make it suitable for a security hedge or as a valuable component in coastal restoration projects, requiring ample space for its broad spread.
Growing notes
It exhibits a moderate to fast growth rate and is highly drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal supplementary watering. Extremely hardy and well-adapted to coastal conditions, care should be taken with its sharp, hooked thorns, especially when planting near pathways.
Sources
Drafted from: Gemini 2.5 Flash. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.