MyKrugerHoliday
Sweet Thorn
Soetdoring · Vachellia karroo
Named 'sweet' for the edible gum that seeps from cracks in its bark. Common along rivers, drainage lines and in disturbed ground.
Log your Sweet Thorn sighting — free →How to identify it
Rounded to spreading tree with long straight paired white thorns and fine feathery leaves. In early summer it is covered in bright yellow pompom flowers. Bark is dark and rough.
Flowers & fruit
Early summer (October to December)
Browsed by
Giraffe, kudu, impala and other antelope browse the leaves and pods; the gum is eaten by lesser bushbabies (galagos).
Where to see it in Kruger
Along rivers, streams and drainage lines and on disturbed or clay soils throughout the park.
Did you know
Edible gum oozes from cracks in its bark and has been used to make sweets — which is where the name 'sweet thorn' comes from.
See it? Log it — free.
MyKrugerHoliday is a free, offline field guide and one-tap sighting log for a Kruger self-drive. No ads, no account, works with no signal.