Fabaceae-Mimosaceae
Senegalia mellifera
Blackthorn · Kikwata
T
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
This deciduous tree or multi-stemmed shrub typically grows up to 9 metres tall, forming a funnel-shaped or spherical crown. It features small, fragrant, cream to pale pink globe-shaped flowers that appear before the leaves. Its branches are armed with distinctive paired, hooked thorns.
Where it works in Kilifi
Well-suited for the dry conditions and sandy soils of the Kilifi coast, thriving in full sun. It can serve as a drought-resistant specimen, a valuable shade tree, or an impenetrable thorny hedge if planted closely. Due to its aggressive root system, avoid planting it too near buildings.
Growing notes
This species is extremely drought-resistant once established and tolerates a wide range of temperatures. It exhibits a slow growth rate, approximately 0.5 metres per year after its initial season. Caution is advised as it can spread rapidly by coppice growth and seeds, potentially forming dense, spiny thickets, and its leaves contain a hallucinogenic compound.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: wikipedia.org, arizona.edu, indigenoustrees.online, kiddle.co, feedipedia.org, treesa.org. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.