FABACEAE

Dichrostachys cinerea subsp. africana

Small-leaved Sickle-bush

Trees & Shrubs

Local Context

Common throughout the estate and, as a successful "bush encroacher", sometimes removed to open up the veld. It is widespread throughout tropical Africa and occurs in diverse habitats including bushveld, woodland, grassland, and disturbed areas, often found on sandy, stony, or clay soils.

Identification

Growth: Shrub or small tree (1–8 m tall) that often forms thickets and is armed with sharp spines at the ends of the side branches.
Flowers: Hanging, bottle-brush spikes (2–5 cm long) that are two-colored: the upper flowers are yellow while the lower, fluffy sterile ones are pink, mauve, or white.
Leaves: Feathery and finely divided into 4–19 pairs of side branches, each carrying many tiny leaflets (2–7 mm long) that are generally smaller than in other varieties.
Texture: Young branches can be hairy or smooth; the edges of the tiny leaflets are often hairy.
Fruit: Clusters of pods (6–15 mm wide) that are twisted or coiled (loosely to tightly) and do not split open.

Did You Know?

The Dichrostachys cinerea is sometimes called the Kalahari Christmas Tree because its beautiful, two-toned pink and yellow flowers resemble festive decorations. This hardy tree features sharp spines that are actually hardened branchlets, which are so strong they are famous for puncturing vehicle tyres. After flowering, it produces distinct clusters of sickle-shaped seed pods that are coiled together and provide a highly nutritious snack for many wild animals.

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