Acacia galpinii (Monkey Thorn) Bonsai Seeds

Common Name: Monkey thorn / Apiesdoring

This is the largest of the South African Acacia species, growing up to 25-30 m in height. With its wide-spreading branches and luxuriant foliage, A. galpinii makes a fine specimen and shade tree.

The Afrikaans popular name is said to refer to the habit of monkeys taking refuge in the trees and possibly also because they eat the pods. The bark of young trees is whitish-yellow and slightly corky and flaky in texture, becoming darker with age. Short, hooked thorns are carried at the base of the leaves, which are double pinnately compound. One of the seTswana names for A. galpinii is "mongangatau", which means "the one that catches like a lion", referring to the tendency of the thorns to catch onto clothing and skin. The flowers resemble bottlebrushes and are borne in clustered spikes from October-January. They are creamy-yellow when open, creating a spectacular sight in good years. The flowers give off a honey scent and attract bees. The fruit is a1arge, woody pod 80-200 mm long and about 25 mm broad. The pods each contain 8-15 seeds. They are eaten by animals, but not as readily as those of other Acacia species. Seeds germinate readily after soaking in hot water for about 6 hours. The plants are fast-growing and withstand considerable frost. The wood is hard, heavy and coarse grained and was used for building wagons. It makes good furniture but is difficult to work.