Senegalia Species, Gum Arabic Tree, Sudan Gum, Three-Thorned Acacia

I have not grown this plant. It is native to tropical Africa from Mozambique, Zambia to Somalia, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania. It...Read More is also cultivated in India, Nigeria, and Pakistan. It thrive in sandy slightly alkaline soils. It provides shelters and shade for the animals of the savanna as well as food for antelopes, giraffes and elephants all of whom eat eat its leaves. Birds make their nests in its branches because of the protection from predators that the thorns provide them.

Plants can also be propagated by shoot cuttings. Acacia senegal is grown for gum, but it is also used for restoring soil fertility and providing fuel and fodder. Although it is nontoxic when ingested it can cause severe asthmatic attacks in some people who are allergic to its dust. Skin lesions can also appear on those who are allergic to it.