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Umbrella Thorn
Haak-en-steek · Vachellia tortilis
One of Africa's iconic flat-topped savanna trees, common on the eastern basalt plains and along drainage lines. Its curled pods are a favourite food for many browsers.
Log your Umbrella Thorn sighting — free →How to identify it
Flat-topped, spreading umbrella-shaped crown on a single trunk — the classic African savanna silhouette. Each twig carries two thorn types: long straight white thorns paired with tiny hooked ones. Seed pods are tightly curled and spiralled.
Flowers & fruit
Summer (November to February), after rains
Browsed by
Giraffe, elephant, kudu, eland and impala browse the leaves; the spiral pods are eaten by giraffe, kudu, impala and many other antelope.
Where to see it in Kruger
Widespread on the eastern basalt plains and clay soils, along drainage lines and alluvial flats, especially in the central and southern grasslands.
Did you know
It carries two kinds of thorns on the same twig — long straight white ones and tiny hooked ones — a double defence against browsing animals.
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