Common Name:
Kaffir thorn
Family Name:
Fabaceae
Botanical Name:
Senegalia caffra
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
Senegalia caffra is a fast-growing, deciduous tree or large shrub that typically reaches 10-14 m (33-46 ft) in height, though it may remain shrubby in harsh conditions (1, 2, 4). It has a spreading to rounded crown and a twisted bole up to 60 cm in diameter (2). The bark is dark brown and rough on older branches, but smooth and reddish-brown on younger shoots (2, 4). Paired, recurved hook-like thorns occur below leaf nodes and may also be scattered elsewhere (1, 2, 4). The leaves are bipinnately compound, drooping, and bluish-green, with 10-20 pairs of pinnae and leaflets 2-7 mm long (1, 4). Creamy-white flower spikes appear at the junction of new and old growth and are strongly scented, attracting numerous pollinators. These flowers gradually age to yellow and bloom from September through November (1, 4). Straight, flat, brown seed pods form from January through May, reaching up to 190 mm in length (1, 4). The wood is dense, hard, and richly grained but twisted and prone to heart rot, limiting its use in long timber applications. It is still used for fence poles, furniture, tobacco pipes, and fuel (2). The root wood is particularly prized for pipe-making (2). Twigs are used for weaving baskets, and the bark is a source of tannins (2).
Compound:
Sen caf
Geographic Origin:
South Africa
Ecozone Origin:
Afrotropic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
Senegalia caffra is native to the savanna, woodland, and grassland ecosystems of southern Africa, particularly in South Africa, Eswatini, Mozambique, Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe (1, 2, 3). It is commonly encountered in the Highveld region and often occurs naturally in suburban gardens in Gauteng (3, 4). Originally described as Acacia caffra, it was transferred to the genus Senegalia as part of a broader taxonomic reclassification of the genus Acacia (2). The specific epithet “caffra” is derived from “Kaffraria,” a historical term referring to parts of South Africa, though the name is now being replaced in scientific nomenclature due to its etymological connection with a racial slur, with “afra” proposed as the replacement epithet (3).
Cultivation Notes:
Senegalia caffra is well-suited for subtropical and tropical climates. It grows best in full sun and thrives in acidic, sandy, or rocky soils (2, 4). It tolerates drought, frost, and fire, regenerates quickly after damage, and responds well to coppicing (2). It is ideal for agroforestry systems due to its light canopy and nitrogen-fixing ability, which enriches surrounding soils (2). The species is propagated by seed, which has a hard seed coat. Pre-treatment such as hot water soaking or scarification enhances germination (2). Seedlings develop a long taproot quickly and are sensitive to transplanting, so deep pots are recommended (2). Due to its aggressive root system, it should not be planted near structures or paving (2). In the landscape, it is appreciated as an ornamental and shade tree. It attracts bees and insects with its abundant flowers and is considered a good candidate for bonsai cultivation (4).
Ethnobotany:
Senegalia caffra holds cultural and medicinal significance in traditional African practices. The leaves and bark are used in decoctions to treat colds, fever, and abdominal ailments in children, sometimes combined with milk as an enema (2, 3). A bark infusion is also used as a blood purifier (2, 3). In South African folk traditions, sprigs of the tree are used to ward off evil, stimulate psychic energy, and find use in love or money rituals. Burning the wood is believed to enhance psychic perception (3).
Height:
20 - 50 feet
Width:
20 - 50 feet
Growth Rate:
Fast Growing
Grow Season:
Spring
Flower Season:
Fall
Color:
Cream
Function:
Shade
Spread:
Spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Semi-hardy
Water Use:
Moderate Water Use
