Senegalia polyacantha
StarSenegalia polyacantha
Synonyms: Acacia polyacantha
Western Herbalism Properties
Traditional Uses
Senegalia polyacantha is widely used in traditional medicine across sub-Saharan Africa. Root extracts are used as a remedy for snakebite and as a wash applied to children who are restless or agitated at night, and the roots and bark are taken for venereal diseases, dysentery and other gastrointestinal complaints. An infusion of the stem bark is used to treat jaundice, while powdered root mixed with honey is given for cough and asthma. The astringent, tannin-rich bark is also employed in tanning (Wikipedia; PlantZAfrica/SANBI).
Botanical Description
Senegalia polyacantha (formerly Acacia polyacantha), commonly called white thorn or hook thorn, is a flowering tree in the legume family (Fabaceae) that grows up to about 20 to 25 metres tall. It is widely distributed across tropical and subtropical Africa and also occurs in parts of southern Asia. The trunk bears pale grey to yellowish, flaking bark and is armed with stout, hooked or straight prickles, often arranged in pairs along the branches. The leaves are bipinnate and feathery, divided into many small leaflets. Creamy white to pale yellow flowers are borne in elongated, fragrant spikes, followed by flattened, oblong pods. It typically grows in wooded grassland, riverine woodland and on alluvial soils. The roots are noted for emitting compounds that repel certain animals, and the bark is a traditional source of tannins used in tanning leather. The species is valued for timber, gum and shade.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
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