Vachellia seyal aka Shittimwood

Vachellia seyal is a thorny evergreen tree in the pea family. Its native range spans the Sahara to Eritrea and Zambia. It also grows naturally on the Arabian Peninsula. Shittim wood and red acacia are names for this species. It grows in dry scrub and the savannas of tropical Africa. In Sudan, it can form large stands with few other trees. Elsewhere, it grows in patches near Senegalia senegal.

The tree grows fast and forms a loose, rounded crown. Garden references give a height of about 33 feet [10 metres]. They list a spread of about 39 feet [12 metres]. Larger trees can reach 56 feet [17 metres] in height. The trunk can reach about 2 feet [0.6 metres] across. Its bark has a pale green or red tint. Thorns are a key feature of its woody growth. Bees pollinate its flowers, but the sources give no bloom season.

This tree needs full sun and cannot grow in shade. It prefers soil that drains well, despite its tolerance of floods. Loam and heavy clay both suit it. It also grows in stony river soils and humus-rich ground. Soil may be dry or moist, and some salt is tolerated. Reported pH tolerance runs from 6 to 8. PFAF places it in USDA zones 10–12. Warm regions with low to moderate rainfall suit its growth. Its roots host bacteria that fix nitrogen from the air.

The root system helps hold soil in place. People gather the tree for food, folk medicine, and other uses. Its bark yields a gum that people eat fresh. The gum has a slightly sour taste. People also blend it with desert date pulp to make syrup. The exported gum has uses outside the food trade. Other uses include fuel, charcoal, fencing, fibre, dyes, and fodder. Folk remedies use its bark, leaves, and gum for several ailments. These records describe traditional use, not proof of safe treatment.

Seeds have a hard coat that needs scarifying before sowing. A warm-water soak for 24 hours follows this treatment. Young trees form a deep taproot and dislike root disturbance. They need an early move into their final site. PFAF reports no known hazards, but this does not establish safety.