Classification of the genus Acacia (in the wider sense) has been subject to considerable debate. It is generally agreed that there are valid reasons for breaking it up into several distinct genera, but there has been disagreement over the way this should be done. As of 2017, it is widely (but not completely) accepted that the section that includes the majority of the Australian species should retain the name Acacia, whilst other sections of the genus should be transferred to other genera. This species is transferred to Vachellia[].

Common Name:

General Information

Vachellia lahai is a shrub or a tree with a broad, flat crown; usually growing from 3 - 15 metres tall though in difficult circumstances, especially in Ethiopia, it can be no more than 50cm tall[, ].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials. It is grown to control soil erosion, whilst its broad canopy and heavy foliage make it a good amenity shade tree[].

Known Hazards

Especially in times of drought, many Acacia species can concentrate high levels of the toxin Hydrogen cyanide in their foliage, making them dangerous for herbivores to eat.

Botanical References

Range

East tropical Africa - Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania.

Habitat

Upland woodland, wooded grassland, locally common in Kenya where upland forest has disappeared, forming dense woodland, or invading grassland; often thicket-forming; at elevations from 1,500 - 2,700 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Tree
Height	10.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

A fast-growing tree[]. Slow-growing according to another report[].
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria; these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[].

Edible Uses

An edible gum is obtained from the tree[].

Medicinal

The bark is astringent. It is used for the treatment of skin eruptions in children, clearing toxicaemia of pregnancy and bowels[].

The bark of all Acacia species contains greater or lesser quantities of tannins and are astringent. Astringents are often used medicinally - taken internally, for example. they are used in the treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery, and can also be helpful in cases of internal bleeding. Applied externally, often as a wash, they are used to treat wounds and other skin problems, haemorrhoids, perspiring feet, some eye problems, as a mouth wash etc[, ].
Many Acacia trees also yield greater or lesser quantities of a gum from the trunk and stems. This is sometimes taken internally in the treatment of diarrhoea and haemorrhoids[].

Agroforestry Uses:

A fast-growing tree that fixes atmospheric nitrogen. It is an important erosion control tree in wooded grasslands and savannah[].

Other Uses

The bark contains tannins. An aqueous extract is sprinkled on pottery to impart a reddish finish[].

The red wood is hard and durable. It is used in heavy construction, bridge making and as fence posts[, ].
The tree is a significant local source of firewood, and makes an excellent charcoal[].

Propagation

Seed - unlike most members of this genus, the seed of this species does not require pre-treatment[].

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