Arid Zone Trees
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2000-2008
Acacia tortilis
Umbrella Thorn
Foliage: Evergreen
Mature Height: 15’ - 60’
Mature Width: 15’ - 40’
Growth Rate: Slow
Hardiness: 18 degrees F
Exposure: Full Sun
Leaf Color: Green
Shade: Dense
Flower Color: White to Cream
Flower Shape: Ball
Flower Season: Spring
Thorns: Yes
Propagation Method: Seed
Sizes Available: 24”
Printable copy click Acacia tortilis PDF
Printable copy click
Photo courtesy of Richard Bond
Acacia tortilis (Umbrella Thorn) is a slow growing evergreen medium to large tree from lower elevations in dry regions of Africa. The smaller trees have a rounded canopy while the larger trees have the flat top seen on film production from these regions. The bark is a grey to dark brown fissured with straight and hooked thorns two to three inches long at times. The two types of thorns and an interesting twisted or cork screw seed pod make this tree easy to identify. The ball shaped flower is white to cream and sometimes a pale yellow.