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 hebeclada has two distinct forms. The subspecies hebeclada is a small shrub growing up to 1.5 metres tall, whilst the subspecies chobiensis is a large, thicket-forming shrub or small tree growing up to 3 metres. Both forms branch from the ground, and occasionally form underground stolons[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a source of medicines and materials.

Known Hazards

The leaves of this species can develop high levels of hydrogen cyanide in times of drought[].

Botanical References

Range

Southern Africa - southern Angola, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, S. Africa.

Habitat

Calcium-rich Kalahari sand, usually on clayey deposits in dune slacks, associated with Pleistocene dune fields, often gregarious, forming small low thickets, at elevations from 950 - 1,050 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Shrub
Height	2.00 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

The plant has a deep root system, there are records of a plant with roots that penetrated more than 35 metres into the soil[].
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

The roots, with the outer layer removed, are commonly used within the plant's native range. They are a strong remedy for treating chest pain and persistent coughing[]. The roots are used as a remedy for diarrhoea[, ].

The plant has been used as a remedy for leprosy[].

Other Uses

A gum is obtained from the stems[]. It has possible commercial, non-food uses[].

The greyish-brown seeds are sometimes used as beads in necklaces[].

The powdered root, mixed with oil, is used as a hair dressing[].

The dark-brown wood is very hard and durable[]. It is not usually available in any but small dimensions, but is used for making various small articles[].

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.
Acacia seeds that have matured fully on the bush and have been properly dried have a hard seed coat and can be stored in closed containers without deterioration for 5 - 10 years or more in dry conditions at ambient temperatures. It is best to remove the aril, which attracts weevils and can lead to moulds forming. The arils are easilyremoved by placing the seeds in water and rubbing them between the hands, then drying the seeds and winnowing them[].

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 greater, 5 or 9?