Umbrella-thorn

Vachellia tortilis (formerly Acacia tortilis), the umbrella thorn, is an iconic flat-crowned tree of the family Fabaceae, widespread across the savannas, semi-deserts and dry woodlands of Africa and the Middle East. Mature trees reach 4 to 15 metres in height, with a characteristic broad, flat-topped umbrella-shaped canopy borne on a relatively short trunk. The bark is rough and dark grey to nearly black on older stems. Branches bear distinctive paired stipular spines — typically one pair long and straight, the other shorter and recurved or hooked. The leaves are twice-pinnate with numerous very small leaflets, fern-like in texture, casting only light shade. Inflorescences are small dense globose creamy-white heads of fragrant flowers borne on slender peduncles. Fruits are slender, strongly twisted or coiled pale brown pods (whence tortilis), much-valued as protein-rich fodder by browsing wildlife and livestock.