Vachellia nilotica subsp. nilotica | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Rosids |
Order: | Fabales |
Family: | Fabaceae |
Clade: | Mimosoideae |
Genus: | Vachellia |
Species: | V. nilotica |
Subspecies: | V. n. subsp. nilotica |
Trinomial name | |
Vachellia nilotica subsp. nilotica (L.) P.J.H.Hurter & Mabb. |
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Synonyms | |
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Vachellia nilotica subsp. nilotica (commonly known as Egyptian thorn, prickly acacia, scented thorn or scented-pod acacia) is a perennial tree native to Africa. It has also been introduced to the Indian Ocean area and to the Middle East.
The leaves contain 14-20% protein.
The young seed pods and young foliage are edible. The raw or dried seeds are eaten when food is scarce.
The bark is used to treat cough by the African Zulu.
The seed pods of V. nilotica subsp. nilotica have a tannin content of about 25-33.8%. The pods without seeds have a tannin content of about 50%.
The sapwood produces 4500kcal/kg when burned as firewood. The tree's heartwood has a density of about 0.80 g/cm³.