Cape Thorn Tree (Vachellia karroo)

Family: Fabaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Vachellia karroo, also known as Cape Thorn Tree, is an evergreen tree in Southern Africa growing about 15 m in height. The crown is rounded and branches fairly low down on the trunk. The bark is red on young branches then becomes dark and rough as the tree matures. The leaves are dark green and finely textured. The yellow flowers are fragrant. The seed pods are narrow, flat, and crescent-shaped.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet thorns. — The gum is eaten as a confection.; The roasted seeds are used as a substitute for coffee.; Children chew the sweet thorns.

Habitat & North American Range

Woodland, wooded grassland, coastal scrub, often by rivers and in valleys, from near sea-level to 1,520 metres. Found in riverine communities and even in arid environments, where it can do well provided there is an assured supply of groundwater. (Zone 10)