Umbrella Thorn Tree

Afrikaans name: Haak en steek

Umbrella Thorn

Photo © Steven Herbert

Acacia tortilis

The Umbrella Thorn is a species of Acacia and is found over most of eastern and northern Africa.

It is found in savanna and has a distinctive spreading canopy.

The temperature where it grows has a big impact on the size that the tree attains. In the hottest regions it can reach a height of 20 metres.

The wood of the Umbrella Thorn is used for a variety of purposes including the manufacture of furniture and fence posts. The bark, gum, leaves and roots are all used for different purposes.

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References and further reading

Field Guide to the Acacias of South Africa - Author: Nico Smit - Year Published: 2008 - Page: 78

Kruger - Portrait of a National Park - Author: David Paynter with Wilf Nussey - Year Published: 1986 - Page: 25