Dichrostachys cinerea is a thorny shrub or small tree, typically 3 – 7 meters tall, with strong, alternate thorns up to 8 cm long. The bipinnate leaves are up to 15 cm long, and the plant is notable for its bicolored cylindrical flower spikes: the upper half is lilac or pale purple (sterile), and the lower half is yellow (fertile). Twisted, mustard-brown pods follow the flowers. It is widespread in Africa, thriving in warm, dry savannas, grasslands, and disturbed areas. The species is highly adaptable and can colonize poor or disturbed soils, helping to stabilize and restore degraded land.
As a nitrogen-fixing legume, it enriches soil and curbs erosion. The nutritious pods are eaten by livestock, game, monkeys, rhinoceros, and bushpigs. The dense thickets provide shelter for wildlife and nesting sites for birds. The plant supports a variety of insects, including pollinators and herbivores, and can alter mammal diversity in invaded areas.
Bicolored spikes (lilac/purple and yellow) attract bees and large carpenter bees (Xylocopa pubescens) as primary pollinators. Twisted pods are consumed by mammals, aiding seed dispersal.
Provides nesting and cover for birds; attracts insectivorous species due to insect abundance.
Seeds can be sown in spring; soaking or scarification improves germination.
Not commonly used; seed propagation preferred.
Used for live fencing, tool handles, milk pots, and firewood; roots used as local anaesthetic and for medicinal purposes.
Pods are highly nutritious and eaten by stock and game.
Not known to be toxic.
Valuable for soil stabilization, erosion control, and rapid colonization of disturbed areas.
