Vachellia horrida

Vachellia horrida

Vachellia horrida

Vachellia horrida is a species of tree in the family Fabaceae. It is native to parts of Africa and Asia, where it is commonly found in savanna and thorn forest habitats. This species is known for its sharp thorns and is often used in traditional medicine and as a fodder plant.

Description

Vachellia horrida is a small to medium-sized tree, typically reaching heights of 5 to 10 meters. The tree is characterized by its thorny branches, which bear pairs of sharp, white thorns. The leaves are bipinnate, with small, oblong leaflets. The flowers are small, yellow, and arranged in spherical clusters. The fruit is a flat, brown pod containing several seeds.

Habitat and Distribution

This species is widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South Asia. It thrives in dry, open areas such as savannas and thorn forests. Vachellia horrida is well adapted to arid conditions and can often be found in regions with poor soil quality.

Uses

Vachellia horrida has several uses in traditional practices. The bark and leaves are used in herbal medicine to treat various ailments. The tree is also valued as a source of fodder for livestock, especially during dry seasons when other food sources are scarce. Additionally, the wood is used for fuel and charcoal production.

Conservation

While Vachellia horrida is not currently considered threatened, habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and deforestation poses a potential risk to its populations. Conservation efforts focus on sustainable land management practices to preserve its natural habitats.

Related pages

• Fabaceae
• Savanna
• Traditional medicine

References

• "Vachellia horrida." In: The Plant List. Accessed October 2023.
• "Acacia horrida." In: Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Accessed October 2023.