Faidherbia albida

Faidherbia albida (Delile) A.Chev. (Acacia albida Delile)

Common names

Winterthorn, ana tree (English); muchesi, munga-nunshi (Bemba); musangu (Kunda/Nyanja); nsangu (Nyanja/Tumbuka).

General description and distinguishing characteristics

A large, noble tree up to 30 m in height, and with a spreading crown, Faidherbia albida stands out in the wet season because, unlike the other deciduous trees, it sheds its blue-green leaves at this time. Its orange ‘apple ring’ pods are also distinctive. Bark rough, grey and fissured. The spines are in pairs, up to 3 cm long, and are white with brown tips. Leaves compound, with 3-10 pairs of pinnae, each bearing 6-23 pairs of leaflets. Leaflets blue-green, 3.5-9 x 0.7-3 mm. Flowers creamy white spikes 4-14 cm long, appearing before the new leaves (May-September). Fruits are bright orange, thick, indehiscent pods, 6-25 x 2-3.5 cm, curled in to a circular coil like an apple ring (August-October).

Range and habitat

Faidherbia albida is widespread in tropical and sub-tropical Africa from Egypt to South Africa. In the valley it is characteristic of valley riverine fringe woodland and thicket.