Acacia tortilis (=Vachellia tortilis) is a hardy, deciduous, drought resistant, slow growing umbrella-shaped Acacia. It bears abundant, fragrant, white, puffball flowers from November to January followed by distinctive curled pods that rattle in the wind.
All parts of this tree are nutritious. It has both hooked and straight thorns making it perfect habitat for nesting birds. The bark is deeply fissured and when the lichens develop on it, it is really beautiful.
This is the typical Acacia associated with the African Savannah. It is a little slow growing but worth the wait as it develops a beautiful umbrella shape.
It is an indicator of sweet veld and has a preference for deep soils. It can also be planted in smaller gardens as it rarely grows into a very big tree.
Attracts birds and butterflies to the garden.
Size 1 to 15m