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 Senegalia[].

Common Name:

General Information

Senegalia caffra is a deciduous shrub or tree with an open, spreading crown; it can grow from 2 - 14 metres tall. The bole is twisted, up to 60cm in diameter[, ]. ; prickles large, hooked, mostly in pairs below nodes, but a few can be scattered, or rarely absent[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of materials. An attractive, ornamental tree, it is sometimes cultivated in India[, , ].

Known Hazards

The leaves and pods are eaten by livestock, but may cause poisoning[].
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

Southern Africa - Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mozambique, Swaziland, S. Africa.

Habitat

Coastal scrub, open woodland on rocky hills, dry river valley bush and grasslands; at elevations from sea level - 1,220 metres[, ].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	10.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of drier regions in the tropics and subtropics, where it can be found at elevations up to 1,500 metres[]. Mature plants can tolerate some frost[].
Requires a sunny position[]. Very tolerant of highly acid, sandy soils[]. Established plants are drought tolerant[].
A fast-growing species[], with a growth rate of 70 - 90cm a year[].
Avoid planting near paving or buildings as this species reportedly has an aggressive root system[].
The tree responds well to coppicing[].
The plant regenerates quickly after fire[].
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

None known

Medicinal

A decoction of the leaves is drunk to treat colds and fever[].
A leaf decoction, combined with milk, is used as an enema to treat abdominal complaints in children. The leaves are sometimes chewed for the same purpose[].

A bark infusion is administered as a blood purifier[].

A number of proteracacinidins (proanthocyanidins) have been isolated from the heartwood, and several cyanogenic glycosides from the leaves[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant has a light canopy and also fixes atmospheric nitrogen, allowing many plants to grow successfully close to its trunk and thus making it an excellent tree for agroforestry systems[].

Other Uses

The bark is a source of tannins[, ].

Baskets are made from the twigs[].

The heartwood is dark brown; it is distinctly demarcated from the creamy sapwood. The texture is moderately fine to moderately coarse, the wood is heavy, dense and hard. It seasons without serious defects. Beautifully grained, it is used for making furniture and fence poles. The beautiful root wood is highly valued locally for making tobacco pipes[, ].
The wood is used as a fuel[, ].

Propagation

Seed - it 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. It is best to sow directly into deep pots as the young plant quickly forms a long taproot and is sensitive to transplanting[].

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