Gum Arabic

Senegalia senegal

Native to:
Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, DR Congo, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, India, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan-South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Senegalia
Species:
Senegalia senegal
USDA Symbol:
SESE16

Growth Characteristics

Height:
1500 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
may,jun,jul
Bloom Colors:
white, cream

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, mammals
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Fragrant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts after fire; fire may stimulate seed germination.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to arid and semi-arid regions

Propagation & Germination

Scarification:
Seed coat scarification required before sowing
Germination Time:
7–30 days
Notes:
Seeds require scarification (nicking or hot water treatment) to break physical dormancy.