Acacia tortilis (Umbrella Thorn - Haak en Steek) Bonsai Seeds

Acacia tortilis Bonsai Seeds

Family: Fabaceae
Common Name: Umbrella thorn / Haak-en-steek

 This tree is widely distributed over the warm, dry parts of the northern and eastern parts of the country. It has the classic, umbrella-shaped canopy associated with thorn trees. It reaches

heights of between 5-20m in nature. It bears both hooked and straight thorns (the very apt Afrikaans common name refers to this characteristic) which make the tree's canopy virtually impenetrable.

Many bird species take advantage of this protection and build their nests in the canopy. Flowering is profuse and occurs from November-January. The flowers are white to pale yellow. The pods are twisted into a spiral and are very nutritious. The species adapts well to garden conditions, provided it does not receive too much water. It is fairly slow growing and reaches a final height of between 3-5 m with a spread of 8-13 m. Care should be taken to ensure that the tree has space in which its canopy can develop. It tolerates moderate frost and much drought.  This truly makes an outstanding Bonsai specimen!!