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: Paperbark Acacia

General Information

Vachellia sieberiana is a spiny, polymorphic tree with a dense, spreading, umbrella-shaped crown[]. It ranges in size from 3 - 25 metres tall[]. The bole can be 60cm in diameter[]. Various varieties and local races exist[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for a range of local uses, including as a timber, fuel, medicine and source of a gum and tannins[]. It has occasionally been cultivated in trial situations[].

Known Hazards

The leaves contain large quantities of prussic acid at certain times, especially during droughts and also when wilted, and have been known to cause death in cattle[].

Botanical References

,

Range

Africa - throughout the Sahel and in other semi-arid regions[].

Habitat

Savannah and woodland[]. Deciduous woodlands, wooded grasslands and along the margins of rivers at elevations of 500 - 2,200 metres in Eritrea[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Tree
Height	15.00 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in drier regions of tropical and subtropical areas, being found at elevations ranging from sea level to 1,850 metres[]. It prefers a mean annual temperature in the range 13 - 21°c and a mean annual rainfall of 400 - 800mm[].
A fairly tolerant species, it grows on deep, well-drained, heavy clay, light sandy and medium loamy soils of acidic reaction[]. Requires a sunny position[]. Established plants are drought and frost resistant[]. The species is especially suited for growing on riverbanks or low ground[].
Flowering usually occurs at the end of the dry season, the pods being produced at the beginning of the next dry season[]. The flowers are good bee forage, and hives are often placed on the trees[].
The trees respond well to lopping, pollarding and coppicing[]. The seedlings need to be protected from fire and browsing[].
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 stems[, ].

Medicinal

The pounded bark is used to relieve fever in children[].

A decoction of the root is taken as remedy for stomach-ache[].

The bark, leaves and gums are used to treat tapeworm, bilharzia, haemorrhage, orchitis, colds, diarrhoea, gonorrhoea, kidney problems, syphilis, ophthalmia, rheumatism and disorders of the circulatory system[]. It is also used as an astringent[].

The pods serve as an emollient[]

Agroforestry Uses:

Occasionally planted as a hedge, a windbreak and a shade tree in villages, rangelands and fields[].
The tree is considered to be a good source of nectar for bees[].

Other Uses

The stem is a source of a pale yellow to yellowish brown soluble gum[]. Clear and of good quality, when mixed with soot it has been used to make ink[, , ].

The bark and pods contain tannin[].

The bark is used to make a cordage fibre[].

The termite resistant, moderately hardwood is fairly light in weight. It has a featureless, off-white grain with little distinction between heartwood and sapwood. It is easy to work and is used in local construction, making furniture, tool handles and mortars[, ].
The wood is a good source of firewood and charcoal[].

Propagation

The seed of most, if not all, members of this genus has a hard seedcoat and may benefit from scarification before sowing to speed up germination. This can usually be done by pouring a small amount of nearly boiling water on the seeds (being careful not to cook them!) and then soaking them for 12 - 24 hours in warm water. By this time they should have imbibed moisture and swollen - if they have not, then carefully make a nick in the seedcoat (being careful not to damage the embryo) and soak for a further 12 hours before sowing. Germination rates of 60% have been achieved[]. Seedlings are quick growing[].
The seeds can be stored if kept cool, dry and insect free, ash is added to reduce insect damage[].

Add a Comment:

If you have any useful information about this plant, please leave a comment. Comments have to be approved before they are shown here.

Name:

Email(Private):

Message:

Captcha: what is lesser, 17 or 71?