Acacia nigrescens
Acacia nigrescens
Knob thorn (e), Knoppiesdoring (a), umKhaya (z)
S.A. No. 178
Fairly hardy (protect from frost when young), drought resistant, deciduous tree with a straight stem and rough bark with large spine tipped knobs; especially on the trunks of young trees. It has hard ferocious hook thorns, branches high up and has a spreading crown. In autumn the foliage turns yellow. From Aug. to Sept., before the leaves appear, the tree is covered in masses of deep pink buds that open into spikes of scented creamy-white flowers that attract a mass of insects and birds. It is a little slow growing to start. This tree makes a good bonsai subject. Hole nesting birds favour this tree. Cattle and game relish the dark pods. This tree, along with Combretum imberbe (Leadwood), is the quintessential bushveld tree.
Size 7 to 20m : in
