Fabaceae-Mimosaceae
Vachellia nilotica
Gum Arabic Tree · Mgunga
T
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
This tree grows to 5-20 metres tall, forming a dense, rounded or umbrella-shaped crown. It features dark, fissured bark and often bears sharp, paired spines up to 7.5 cm long, particularly on younger branches. Fragrant, bright golden-yellow spherical flowers develop into distinctive flat, bead-like pods that are constricted between the seeds, resembling a string of pearls. It is a nitrogen-fixing species, valued for its timber, fodder, traditional medicine, and gum.
Where it works in Kilifi
Ideal for Kilifi-coast gardens and landscapes, this tree thrives in full sun and adapts to various soil types, including heavy clay, sandy, alkaline, or saline conditions. It is excellent for restoration of degraded or seasonally inundated areas, serving as a pioneer species, for shade, or in live hedging.
Growing notes
A moderate to fast-growing tree, it is drought-tolerant once established, though supplemental irrigation is beneficial during its first few years. It thrives in warm temperatures. Be aware that leaves and fruits can be poisonous if ingested in large quantities, and the species has weed potential in some introduced areas.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: nih.gov, tropicalforages.info, wikipedia.org, ilan-nursery.co.il, darwinfoundation.org, theferns.info. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.