Black Thorn

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. It is listed as being not threatened.
Blackthorn - Acacia mellifera - Invasive Beauty A Blackthorn (Acacia mellifera) in bloom during the start of the African summer.  This bush is considered an "invasive" species as basically it sucks up all the rain water surrounding its root system, and deny grass from growing around it as sunlight is also consumed first by the bush.  Because it prevents grass species from growing, its title as invasive and "problem bush" was given.  Naturally it also reproduces at a fast speed.     Geotagged,Invasive species,Namibia,Senegalia mellifera,Winter,bloom,flower,invasive,smell,sweet,white

Appearance

''Senegalia mellifera'' can occur either as a multi-trunked bush up to seven meters high with more or less a funnel-shaped crown, or as a single-trunked tree that can reach a height of up to nine meters. 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 ares of farmland.
Senegalia mellifera, Tanzania  Geotagged,Senegalia mellifera,Tanzania,Winter

Distribution

''Senegalia mellifera'' is found in the dry areas of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.

Uses

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. It is widely used in traditional African medicine.This tree is an important food 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.

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Taxonomy
KingdomPlantae
DivisionAngiosperms
ClassEudicots
OrderFabales
FamilyFabaceae
GenusSenegalia
SpeciesS. mellifera
Photographed in
Namibia
Tanzania