Plant · GBIF taxon 3974700
Umbrella Thorn Acacia
Vachellia tortilisAlso known as Umbrella Thorn, Israeli Babool, Samor, Shittim Wood
Umbrella thorn acacias shape the classic African savanna skyline with broad, flat-topped canopies designed to maximize shade in hyper-arid landscapes. A distinct dual-thorn defense system combines long straight white spines with short hooked thorns to deter browsing herbivores. Deep taproots reach groundwater far below the surface, allowing trees to survive severe droughts while nourishing wildlife with sweet white flowers and spiraled seed pods.
Drought TolerantSavanna IconNitrogen Fixer
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Autotrophic (Photosynthetic)
Predators
- Giraffe
- African Elephant
- Impala
ThreatsOvergrazing, Fuelwood Harvesting, Desertification
HabitatsArid Savanna, Sahel, Deserts, Dry Woodland
Life span100–150 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderFabales
- FamilyFabaceae
- GenusVachellia
- SpeciesVachellia tortilis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance, though sharp thorns require care up close.
Responsible observation
- Examine thorns: Look for paired long straight spines and small curved hooks along the same branch.
- Check for pods: Search the understory ground for distinctive ringlet-like spiral seed pods.
Co-occurring Tree 
Close Relative (c) Rafael Medina, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-byClose Relative
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