  Acacia erioloba Seeds
Common Names: Kalahari Camel Thorn; Kameeldoring 
Acacia is a large genus, in the Fabaceae family, that contains over 1200 species of trees and shrubs from warm climates. Some are deciduous but most are evergreen. Over 700 species are native to Australia. There are 40 species, subspecies and varieties of Acacia indigenous to South Africa. They range from low-growing shrubs to tall trees. Acacias are also common in tropical and subtropical Africa; most African species are characterized by vicious spines and referred to as ‘thorn trees’. The name Acacia is derived from "akis" meaning a point or barb. The flowers, ranging from deep golden yellow to cream or white, and crowded into globular heads or cylindrical spikes, are often fragrant and produce abundant, bee-attracting pollen. They do well in most parts of South Africa, and resist all but the severest frosts. Many of them make suitable bonsai candidates, most notably, Acacia burkei, Acacia caffra, Acacia erioloba, Acacia galpinii, Acacia karoo, Acacia nigrescens, Acacia robusta subsp. clavigera, Acacia robusta subsp. robusta and Acacia sieberiana var. woodii. The hard coated seeds remain viable for up to 30 years. They should be treated by heating and soaking for germination in spring. In cultivation many species are fast-growing but short-lived (10-15 years). They do best in full sun and well-drained soil. Some will take part-shade. Prune to shape after their flowers have fallen. The beautiful, camel thorn grows well in poor soils and in harsh environmental conditions. It is an ideal tree for the art of bonsai. The tree bears sweetly scented bright yellow ball-like flowers from late winter through to summer. This is a relic of the parental stock of African Acacia species and is one of the major trees, and frequently the only sizable tree of the deserts of southern Africa. It is a long-lived plant that, in the wild, grows on sand in areas with an annual rainfall of less than 40 mm to 900 mm, and tolerates hot summer temperatures and severe frosts. In very dry areas Acacia erioloba occurs along watercourses or where underground water is present. The taproot can descend to 60 m, providing access to deep ground water. This tree will produce a lovely thick trunk. Its ability to tolerate hot summers & severe frost along with its flexibility for water requirements makes it a very good candidate for the art of bonsai, especially for beginners. On offer is a pack of 10 Seeds
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