Umbrella Thorn
Vachellia tortilis
- Native to:
- Algeria, Angola, Botswana, Burkina, Caprivi Strip, Chad, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gulf States, Kenya, Lebanon-Syria, Libya, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sinai, Socotra, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan-South Sudan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Western Sahara, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Diego Delso (www.wikidata.org),Diego Delso (www.wikidata.org),Diego Delso (www.wikidata.org),Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz,Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz,Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz,Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz,Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz,Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz,Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz,Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz,Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Vachellia
- Species:
- Vachellia tortilis
- USDA Symbol:
- VATO
Growth Characteristics
- Height:
- 2100 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- mar,apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- cream, white
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, mammals, insects
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts vigorously after fire; fire may stimulate seed germination.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.5 (slightly acidic to alkaline)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- thrives in arid and semi-arid regions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- 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.