Description
Acacia melifera (Fabaceae) Black Thorn (e), Swarthaak (a), Mongana (Tsw), Monganga-tau (s), munembedzi (v). Very drought resistant, hardy, thickset, deciduous Acacia with wicked hook thorns. The variety name detinens means to delay and is used with reference to these wicked thorns. It blooms profusely with scented, white, puffball flowers that are especially fragrant at night in early summer. These are followed by profuse papery pods, which make excellent fodder for cattle and game. The leaflets are blue-green, round and large. It makes a good screen and security fence. It is a small tree with character and a good bonsai subject. One of its many uses is as fencing poles as the wood is borer resistant. The gum is edible, twigs are used as toothbrushes and the bark used medicinally. The hooked thorns are said to have the power to entice the rain. Size 3 to 8 m. S.A. No. 176. Harvest : May 2010. Locality : Pretoria. Sowing : Sow in summer. Pour boiling water over seeds and let cool off while soaking for 12 hours before planting.
