Karroo Thorn, Cape gum
This is a native of Southern Africa. It prefers light to medium soils They need to be well drained. It requires a sunny protected position. It can resist drought and frost. It grows in areas with an annual rainfall between 50-1,500 mm. It grows between 3-2,400 m above sea level. It grows in coastal scrub and woodland and along streams. It can grow in arid places. It suits hardiness zones 9-11.
Also known as:
Cape gum, Doorn Boom, Isinga, Mfungu, Mimosa, Mkwangwa, Moangala, Mooka, Mpampa, Mubayamhondoro, Muhunga, Munenje, Muye-nyewe, Muzunga, Soetdoring, Sweet thorn, Umnga, Umunga
Synonyms
- Acacia dekindtiana A. Chev.
- Acacia eburnea sensu auct.
- Acacia inconflagrabilis Gerstner
- Acacia horrida sensu auct. mult. non (L.) Willd.
- Acacia karroo Hayne
- Acacia natalitia E. Meyer
- Confusion about these: Acacia pseudowightii Thoth.
- Acacia roxburghii Wight & Arn.
- Acacia campbellii Arn.
- Mimosa eburnea L. f.
- Acacia minutifolia Ragnup.
- Acacia hirtella E. Mey.
Edible Portion
- Seeds - coffee, Gum, Bark, Roots, Seeds, Leaves - coffee
Where does Karroo Thorn grow?
Found in: Africa, Angola, Australia, Botswana, Central Africa, Cyprus, East Africa, Egypt, Eswatini, Europe, Lesotho, India, Iraq, Libya, Malawi, Mauritius, Mediterranean, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, North Africa, Portugal, South Africa, Southern Africa, Spain, St Helena, Swaziland, West Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Notes: There are about 1,350 Acacia species. Over 1,000 occur in Australia. It can become a weed. Also as Mimosaceae.
Status: The gum is chewed especially by children.
Growing Karroo Thorn, Cape gum
Cultivation: It is grown from seed. The seed needs to be treated to break the hard seed coat. Normally this is by putting the seeds in very hot water and letting the water cool down overnight then planting the seeds immediately. Seeds grow quickly. Seeds germinate in 3-12 days and can be transplanted when young.
Edible Uses: The tree oozes a clear red-gold gum which is chewed. It is sweet and eaten by children. The seeds are roasted and ground then used as a substitute for coffee. The inner bark is chewed.
Production: Plants are fast growing.
Nutrition Info
per 100g edible portion| Edible Part | Energy (kcal) | Protein (g) | Iron (mg) | Vitamin A (ug) | Vitamin c (mg) | Zinc (mg) | % Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gum | 313 | 6.8 | 16.6 | - | - | 0.3 | 13.9 |
| Seeds - coffee | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Karroo Thorn, Cape gum Photos
References
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