Camel thorn

Where does Camel thorn grow?

Found in: Africa, Angola, Botswana, Central Africa, East Africa, Israel, Middle East, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Notes: There are about 1,350 Acacia species. Over 1,000 occur in Australia. The gum is 43% protein. Also as Mimosaceae.

Status: The fruit pulp is occasionally eaten especially by children.

Growing Camel thorn

Cultivation: Plants can be grown from seeds. The seeds are put into boiling water and soaked for 24 hours. They are then dried and planted 2 cm deep. It has a long taproot so is difficult to transplant. Plants need watering when young.

Edible Uses: The gum is eaten. It has an acrid taste. The roasted seed can be used as a substitute for coffee. The fruit pulp is eaten as a famine food.

Production: The plants are slow growing.

Nutrition Info

References

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