brakdoring, brosdoring, pragdoring, enkeldoring
umnqawe, umngamanzi
Vachellia robusta is a fast-growing, deciduous tree up to 10 meters tall, with a single trunk, high branching, and a somewhat irregular, spreading, dense crown. The bark is grey to blackish and rough, with straight, paired white thorns. Leaves are dark green and glossy. Creamy white, strongly scented pompon flowers appear from July to October, followed by broad, straight, greyish-brown seed pods. The tree is common in warm, dry savannas and woodlands, often near streams.
Leaves are browsed by kudu and other mammals. Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and many insects. Seed pods and leaves are eaten by herbivores and distributed in their dung. Seeds are parasitized by Bruchid beetle larvae, which are then eaten by birds. Birds such as sparrows and finches nest in the thorny branches, protected from predators. The tree fixes nitrogen through symbiosis with Rhizobium bacteria, enriching the soil.
Creamy white, strongly scented pompon flowers; broad, straight pods; seeds parasitized by beetle larvae.
Provides nesting sites for sparrows, finches, and other birds; birds feed on beetle larvae in pods.
Sow fresh seeds in sandy soil; germinates readily.
Not commonly used; seed propagation preferred.
Bark exudes gum consumed by monkeys and baboons; wood used for fuel and tools.
Leaves and pods browsed by livestock and wild herbivores.
Not known to be toxic.
Excellent for soil stabilization, erosion control, nitrogen enrichment, and supporting biodiversity in restoration projects.
