Karroothorn

Vachellia karroo

Native to:
Angola, Botswana, Caprivi Strip, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Vachellia
Species:
Vachellia karroo
USDA Symbol:
VAKA

Growth Characteristics

Height:
1200 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
jan,sep,oct,nov,dec
Bloom Colors:
yellow

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, birds, browsing mammals
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Fragrant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts vigorously from the root crown after fire. Common in fire-prone African savannas and grasslands.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
well-drained sandy or loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
tolerates drought conditions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
None required
Scarification:
Seed coat scarification required before sowing
Germination Time:
7–21 days
Notes:
Hot water treatment or mechanical scarification required to break hard seed coat. Seeds germinate readily after treatment.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI