Senegalia mellifera

Senegalia mellifera is a common thorn tree in Africa. The name mellifera refers to its sweet-smelling blossoms and honey. Its lumber turns pitch black when oiled. Common names of the tree include Blackthorn and Swarthaak (Afrikaans). It is listed as being not threatened.[2]

Blackthorn
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Plantae
(unranked):
Angiosperms
(unranked):
Eudicots
(unranked):
Rosids
Order:
Fabales
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Senegalia
Species:
S. mellifera
Binomial name
Senegalia mellifera
(M. Vahl) Seigler & Ebinger
Subspecies[1]
  • Senegalia mellifera subsp. detinens (Burch.) Kyal. & Boatwr.
  • Senegalia mellifera subsp. mellifera (M. Vahl) Seigler & Ebinger
Range of Senegalia mellifera
Synonyms
  • Acacia mellifera (M. Vahl) Benth.
  • Mimosa mellifera M. Vahl

Distribution

Senegalia mellifera is found in the dry areas of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.[2]

Characteristics

Senegalia mellifera can occur either as a multi-trunked bush up to seven metres high with more or less a funnel-shaped crown, or as a single-trunked tree that can reach a height of up to nine metres. It can form an impenetrable thickets. In some areas of Africa, it is considered an invasive species as it can expand into and cover large areas of farmland.

Uses
Inflorescences

In Africa, Senegalia mellifera is used as fencing, livestock feed and building material for huts. It flowers are sources of nectar for honey-producing bees. The wood is prized also for fuel and making charcoal.[3] It is widely used in traditional African medicine.[4] The plant contains the psychoactive chemical DMT.[5]

Animal uses

This tree is an important feed resource for both cattle and wild animals especially in dry areas of Africa. The leaves and young branches are very nutritious, containing a high percentage of protein. The flowers are often eaten by kudu. Common browsers of the tree include elephants, black rhino, giraffe and the eland. Acacia mellifera leaves can constitute an important part of goat diets.[6]

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References

General references

Notes
  1. ILDIS
  2. ILDIS LegumeWeb
  3. Trees of Kenya, Tim Noad and Ann Birnie (1989) ISBN 9966-848-95-9
  4. Mutai, C; Bii, C; Rukunga, G; Ondicho, J; Mwitari, P; Abatis, D; Vagias, C; Roussis, V; Kirui, J (2008). "Antimicrobial activity of pentacyclic triterpenes isolated from Acacia mellifera". Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med. 6: 42–8. PMC 2816522. PMID 20162040.
  5. "Plants & Seeds > A > Acacia spp. | Shaman Australis Botanicals". shaman-australis.com.au. Retrieved 2017-08-03.
  6. Heuzé V., Tran G., 2015. Black thorn (Acacia mellifera). Feedipedia, a programme by INRA, CIRAD, AFZ and FAO. https://www.feedipedia.org/node/347 Last updated on October 28, 2015, 13:20


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