Acacia polyacantha

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Description

Acacia polyacantha, also known as White Thorn is a perennial flowering tree which can grow up to 25m tall. Polyacantha has the meaning "many thorns" in Latin.^[2] The tree is native to Africa, India, the Indian Ocean and Asia, but it has also been introduced to the Caribbean.^[1]

Uses

Repellant uses

The root emits chemical compounds that repel animals including rats and crocodiles.^[2]

Gum

The tree's gum is used in the manufacture of candy.^[2]

Medicinal purposes

A. polycantha's roots and perhaps its bark have medicinal uses. The root extract is useful for snakebites and is applied to wash the skin of children who are agitated at night time.^[2]

Tannin

The bark is useful for tanning.^[2]

Wood

The tree's primary use is for wood.^[3]

Subspecies

• Acacia polyacantha subsp. campylacantha (A.Rich.)Brenan^[4]
• Acacia polyacantha subsp. polyacantha^[5]

References

1. ^ ^{a b} ILDIS LegumeWeb(ILDIS)
2. ^ ^{a b c d e} PlantzAfrica
3. ^ Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
4. ^ ILDIS LegumeWeb Acacia polyacantha subsp. campylacantha
5. ^ ILDIS LegumeWeb Acacia polyacantha subsp. polyacantha