Accession Count: 2
Common Name:
apple-ring thorn tree, winter thorn, Balanzan tree
Family Name:
Fabaceae
Botanical Name:
Faidherbia albida
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
Compound:
Fai alb
Geographic Origin:
Sub-Saharan Africa
Ecozone Origin:
Afrotropic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
Faidherbia albida is native to Africa as well as the Middle East and was originally used for not only food and fodder but as a soil stabilizer. Its name originates from a governor of Senegal in the 19th century, Major LLC Faidberbe (1). Due to its wide variety of uses Faidherbia albida is widely cultivated and brought to many other countries to be utilized for its properties.
Cultivation Notes:
It takes some work to propagate Faidherbia albida from seed. It is advised that the seed be taken out of the pod as soon as possible to avoid the invasion of the Bruchid beetle larvae. Once the seed has been removed, it should be either boiled for 7-15 minutes or have boiling water poured over it and then be left to soak for 24 hours (2). Sulphuric acid can also be used to treat the seed. A 66% solution soaked for 4- 5 minutes and then rinsed with water will increase germination rates. Scarification will also improve germination (2). Other methods of propagation are also feasible, including cutting grafting and multiplication by use of root cuttings (2).
Ethnobotany:
In the Sahel portion of Africa, Faidherbia albida is an important refuge for bees at the end of the rainy season. The pods and foliage are used as fodder in most of the native areas it grows in and the wood is both used for construction and for burning. The ash after burning can be used to make soap and also to tan hides (1). In addition, the plant is versatile, utilized for “nitrogen fixation, erosion control for crops, for food, drink and medicine" (1). As a medicine it can be used as a remedy for a wide range of ailments. Internally it is used to treat infection, digestive problems, and fevers. Externally the bark is used to clean teeth and is applied for toothaches and eye infections in livestock (2).
Height:
20 - 50 feet
Width:
50 - 100 feet
Growth Rate:
Fast Growing
Grow Season:
Winter
Flower Season:
ForeSummer
Color:
White
Function:
Shade
Spread:
Spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Tender
Water Use:
Moderate Water Use
