Fabaceae-Mimosaceae
Vachellia tortilis subsp. spirocarpa
Umbrella thorn · Mgunga
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
This medium to large tree often develops a distinct flat-topped, umbrella-shaped crown, reaching up to 21 metres in height. Its bark is grey to black and fissured, with young hairy branchlets that mature to brown or purplish-black. It is characterised by pairs of thorns, including both short hooked ones and long, straight whitish thorns. The flowers are small, cream or whitish, and fragrant, appearing in spherical heads, while the fruit pods are distinctly spirally twisted, hairy, and contain numerous dark red glands.
Where it works in Kilifi
Thriving in full, direct sunlight, this species is ideal for Kilifi's arid coast, tolerating sandy, rocky, alkaline, and saline soils. Its distinctive umbrella shape makes it an excellent specimen or shade tree, and it is valuable for land restoration due to its drought tolerance and nitrogen-fixing ability.
Growing notes
This species is generally slow-growing, especially when young, but can establish relatively fast in dry, sandy soils. It is highly drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal water. While mature trees are somewhat frost-resistant, seedlings are susceptible to cold damage and should be protected. Young plants also need protection from browsing animals.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: capriviflora.com, google.com, jstor.org, botswanaflora.com, saudipedia.com, sanbi.org. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.