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Senegalia nigrescens (Acacia nigrescens)

by Johan Wentzel

Senegalia nigrescens (Acacia nigrescens)
Common Name
Knob thorn
Plant Type
Tree
Acacia nigrescens is an attractive garden tree which grows into a lovely shade tree. Protect from frost when young.
Plant Description

Previously known as Acacia nigrescens, the Knob thorn  grows to a height of between 5 and 15 m.  The species has a wide distribution, occurring in the drier parts of South Africa and is a familiar sight in the Kruger National Park.

The common names in English and Afrikaans refers to the very characteristic thorns of the tree.  The thorns are hooked in shape and are ‘knobbed’, appearing on the trunks and branches.  Deciduous, the tree has a cylindrical shape with a rounded crown.  The foliage is a vibrant green colour and new growth sometimes has a bright red colour.  Flowers appear before or with the new leaves during spring, providing a beautiful display.  The yellowish white, scented flowers make way for fruit pods that turn black as they ripen.  These pods are thinly textured and hang down in clusters.

The distinctive knob thorn is drought and fire resistant, but sensitive to frost, especially when young.  It has a moderate growth rate (approximately 600 mm per year) and is a good wildlife tree, attracting browsers and hole-nesting bird species.

An attractive shade tree, Senegalia nigrescens, will thrive in a large garden, planted away from building structures as the root system can be aggressive. Senegalia nigrescens prefers a heavy soil.

You may find stock of this stately tree at Random Harvest indigenous plant garden centre

Afrikaanse Naam
Knoppiesdoring
Hardiness
Semi hardy
Position
Sun
Water Requirements
Water wise
Evergreen
Deciduous
Growth Rate
Moderate
Flowering Time
Early spring
Flower Colour
White
Shape
Upright
Soil
Clay
Plant Size
>10m
Region
KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, Limpopo, North West
Habitat
Savannah
Grown by Wildflower Nursery
Yes
  • Senegalia nigrescens (Acacia nigrescens)
  • Senegalia nigrescens (Acacia nigrescens)
  • Senegalia nigrescens (Acacia nigrescens)

Contact Us

Random Harvest Nursery: 082 553 0598

Jonathan Taylor: 0768305242

Email: [email protected]

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