Acacia erioloba Bonsai seed Common Name: Camel Thorn or Kameeldoring Family: Fabaceae 
The beautiful, slow-growing camel thorn grows well in poor soils and in harsh environmental conditions. It is an ideal shrub/tree for a small or large garden. DescriptionThe camel thorn ranges from a 2 m spiny shrub to a 16 m robust tree. The stem is shiny reddish brown when young. The bark of a mature tree is grey to blackish brown and is deeply furrowed; bearing pairs of almost straight, whitish or brown spines. Spines often have swollen bases and appear at the bases of the leaves. The fully developed spines may be up to 60 mm long. The leaves are twice divided. There are normally 2 to 5 pairs of pinnae per leaf and 8 to 18 pairs of leaflets (pinnules) per pinna. They are hairless and have a prominent underside vein on the undersurface. 
The tree bears bright yellow ball-like flowers that are sweetly scented. They are borne in late winter and last through to summer. 
The fruit is variable and ranges from small and almost cylindrical to typically large, flat, thick, semicircular or half-moon-shaped pods. They are up to 130 mm long and 50 mm wide and are covered by velvety grey hairs. They are semi-woody, but spongy inside; the pods do not open even when ripe but fall to the ground in winter. Seeds are thick, robust and lens-shaped. 
DistributionThis species is widely distributed inland, from the Northern Cape through to Limpopo Province. It also extends to Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and to central Africa. 
This is a relict of the parental stock of African Acacia species and is one of the major trees, and frequently the only sizeable tree of the deserts of southern Africa . It is a long-lived plant that 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. 
UsesThe pods are useful fodder for cattle and are favoured by wild animals in Africa , especially elephants who chew the pods and disperse the seed in their dung. The timber is strong and is highly prized for firewood. Dry powdered pods can be used to treat ear infections. The gum can be used for the treatment of gonorrhoea and the pulverized, burned bark can be used to treat headaches. The root can be used to treat toothache. To treat tuberculosis, the root is boiled for a few minutes and the infusion is swirled around in the mouth and spat out. It is believed that lightning will strike at the Acacia erioloba more readily than other trees. The seeds can be roasted and used as a substitute for coffee; the gum is also eaten by humans as well as animals. The root bark is used by the Bushmen to make quivers. Many wild animals love to eat the pods and will rest in the dense shade, in the heat of the African sun. You are buying a packet of 10 seeds Free "How to grow a Bonsai" Guide included. See lots more interesting, unusual and rare plant seeds by following the link below. http://www.bidorbuy.co.za/jsp/userprofile/UserTradeList.jsp?User_UserId=390651 We have to warn you, it becomes a life-time hobby. The rewards are just overwhelming sometimes. Seeing the first seeds sprout and eventually turn into beautifull flowering plants or training a young tree, that you have grown from seed, into a bonsai is a truly amazing experince. It's an extention of yourself... a legacy. Something that, with propper care, will keep evolving and growing long after you're gone. Let us guide you, through our knowledge and experince, so you too can have the confidence to start this rewarding hobby. We will supply you with the germination and care instructions for all our seeds and it is our mission to allways deliver the best advice and go the extra mile to satisfy our fellow grower's needs. Should you require any seeds in small or wholesale quatities, please let us know and we will create a special listing for you on bidorbuy.co.za | 
