Vachellia nilotica aka Gum Arabic Tree

Vachellia nilotica belongs to the pea family, Fabaceae. Common names include babul, suntwood and gum arabic tree. Its older name is Acacia nilotica. It grows wild across dry parts of Africa and Arabia. Its native range extends through the Indian subcontinent to Myanmar. It grows in woods, grassland, scrub and thickets. Some trees grow beside rivers that flood at times.

This fast-growing evergreen has spiny branches and a rounded crown. Garden size is about 33 feet [10 metres] tall. The crown can spread 39 feet [12 metres] wide. Trees on poor soils may reach just 8 feet [2.5 metres]. Other accounts report heights of 46–66 feet [14–20 metres]. The straight trunk can reach 3.3 feet [1 metre] across. Its bipinnate leaves divide into small leaflets on branching stalks. Yellow flowers form small, round heads. Bees and other insects pollinate them. The fruit takes the form of seedpods.

This tree suits warm tropical and subtropical sites in full sun. Young trees cannot withstand frost. PFAF places it in USDA zones 10–12. It prefers moist soil but can cope with drought. It grows in loam and heavy clay, including poor soils. It also tolerates salt and mildly acid to alkaline conditions. Roots grow deep and wide on dry sites. Where the ground floods, roots spread more near the surface.

People plant it for street shade and as an ornamental tree. It also serves in hedges, windbreaks and land restoration. The tree fixes nitrogen and tolerates pruning. Its wood provides fuel and charcoal, while pods provide fodder. Bark and pods supply tannins, and the trunk yields gum. Other products include dye, fibre, ink and paper. PFAF flags weed potential, though the supplied evidence gives no regional detail. No specific pests or diseases are listed in these sources.

Young leaves, shoots and pods serve as cooked vegetables. Sprouted seeds also provide food. People fry the flowers and use roasted seeds as seasoning. Gum goes into sweets and other foods. Bark, gum, leaves and pods have uses in traditional medicine. Tannin-rich parts act as astringents. These uses do not establish safe doses or proven treatments. PFAF lists no known hazards, but this does not confirm safety for pets.