Biology:Vachellia nilotica subsp. nilotica

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Short description: Subspecies of legume

Vachellia nilotica subsp. nilotica
Scientific classification edit
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Caesalpinioideae
Clade: Mimosoid clade
Genus: Vachellia
Species:
(L.) P.J.H.Hurter & Mabb.[1]
Subspecies:
V. n. subsp. nilotica
Trinomial name
Vachellia nilotica subsp. nilotica
Synonyms[2]
  • Acacia nilotica subsp. nilotica (L.) Delile
  • Acacia vera Willd.

Vachellia nilotica subsp. nilotica (commonly known as Egyptian thorn, prickly acacia, scented thorn or scented-pod acacia[3]) is a perennial tree native to Africa. It has also been introduced to the Indian Ocean area and to the Middle East.[2]

Uses

Fodder

The leaves contain 14–20% protein.[4]

Food

The young seed pods and young foliage are edible. The raw or dried seeds are eaten when food is scarce.[4]

Medicine

The bark is used to treat cough by the African Zulu.[4]

Tannin

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%.[5]

Wood

The sapwood produces 4500kcal/kg when burned as firewood.[4] The tree's heartwood has a density of about 0.80 g/cm3.[6]

References

  1. "Phylogenetic position and revised classification of Acacia s.l. (Fabaceae: Mimosoideae) in Africa, including new combinations in Vachellia and Senegalia.". Bot J Linn Soc 172 (4): 500–523. 2013. doi:10.1111/boj.12047. 
  2. 2.0 2.1 ILDIS LegumeWeb
  3. "Acacia nilotica subsp nilotica". http://www.worldagroforestry.org/Sea/Products/AFDbases/AF/asp/SpeciesInfo.asp?SpID=81. 
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 World AgroForestry
  5. FAO
  6. FAO

Wikidata ☰ Q4670975 entry