Camelthorn

Vachellia erioloba

Native to:
Angola, Botswana, Caprivi Strip, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe

📍 View on iNaturalist →

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Vachellia
Species:
Vachellia erioloba
USDA Symbol:
ACER4

Growth Characteristics

Height:
1800 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
aug,sep,oct
Bloom Colors:
yellow

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, mammals, insects
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Fragrant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Mature trees survive low-intensity fires; seedlings are fire-sensitive.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, nutrient-poor, well-drained soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
thrives in arid desert conditions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Warm stratification required — 30–90 days
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.