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Senegalia caffra

Family: Fabaceae: Mimosoideae (Pod-Bearing family)

Common names: Common Hook-thorn, Acacia caffra (E); umTholo (Z); Gewone haakdoring (A); Mositsana (NS);

Native to: Southern Africa
Shrub, Tree

Senegalia caffra

DECIDUOUS

FULL SUN

FROST HARDY

MEDIUM WATER REQUIREMENTS

FAST GROWER

ATTRACTS BIRDS

ATTRACTS INSECTS

FLOWER COLOUR:

AVERAGE SIZE:

14m x 10m
FLOWERING TIME:
J F M A M J J A S O N D
FRUITING TIME:
J F M A M J J A S O N D

Senegalia caffra

DESCRIPTION

Previously known as Acacia caffra, this deciduous tree is commonly seen in the highveld bushveld.  It has a roundish to spreading crown.  In harsh habitats it may remain a bushy shrub. The bark is dark brown and rough on older branches but smooth and reddish brown on younger ones. It bears paired recurved brown thorns just below each node. The leaves are twice compound, drooping and bluish-green. The creamy-white flowers are carried on spikes and turn yellow with age. The fruit is a straight, flat, brown and narrow splitting pod up to 190mm long.

NATURAL HABITAT & DISTRIBUTION
Bushveld and grassland.
WILDLIFE & ECOLOGICAL BENEFITS
The flowers attract bees and other pollinating insects.
LANDSCAPING USES
An excellent garden subject for a large garden. One of the best indigenous trees to grow as a bonsai.
GARDEN THEMES
Bushveld, Grassland, Woodland
FLOWERS
FOLIAGE
BARK
FRUIT
SPINES
CAUTION
This tree has hook thorns that attach to skin and clothing when reaching through the branches.

2 responses

  1. Thanks, Martie

    Apologies for the delayed response as this got lost in the clouds.

    Please send me a picture of your tree that I may include on the website.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  2. Thank you very much for this informative review on the Senegalia caffra (ordinary hook thorn). I have a lovely Acacia caffra in my garden with three thick stems and have been told by a tree fundi that mine is a very big specimen of number 162 in a tree book I have here with all kinds of acacias. I had a tree tag made for my tree as you always find individuals who are jealous and wants to chop down a wonderful tree.

    I am sure you enjoy a lot of positive feedback on your website.

    Kind regards

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