Fabaceae-Mimosaceae
Vachellia stuhlmannii
Vlei thorn
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
Vachellia stuhlmannii is a multi-stemmed, spreading shrub typically growing 1-3 metres tall, though it can reach up to 6 metres. Its young branchlets are distinctly covered in dense golden hairs, and it bears straight spines up to 4 cm long, arranged in pairs. The plant produces white, spherical flower heads, usually before its leaves appear, and subsequently develops short, leathery pods that are densely hairy and do not split open.
Where it works in Kilifi
This species thrives in seasonally dry tropical environments, particularly in clay-like and silty soils, often around temporary wetlands. In a Kilifi-coast garden or landscape, it is well-suited for restoration projects in heavy or water-retentive soils and can serve as a specimen shrub or small tree in sunny locations.
Growing notes
Vachellia stuhlmannii is generally found in low-lying areas up to 600 metres in altitude. Its flowers typically emerge between August and October in its native range, appearing before the leaves.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: zimbabweflora.co.zw, theseedybusiness.com, etsy.com, kew.org, jstor.org. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.