Shittim Wood (Vachellia seyal)

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

Vachellia seyal or Shittim Wood is an evergreen spiny tree about 17 m in height and 60 cm in trunk diameter. It is also known as Red Acacia. It has an open and rounded canopy and a pale greenish or reddish bark. Medical conditions such as colds, diarrhea, hemorrhage, jaundice, headaches, burns, leprosy, dysentery, and rheumatic pains can be treated using various plant parts of V. seyal in different forms.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Bark/Inner Bark

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

An edible gum is obtained from the bark. Eaten when fresh, although it has slightly acid taste. It is also mixed with pulp from the fruit of Balanites aegyptiaca to make a syrup. — An edible gum is obtained from the bark.; Eaten when fresh, although it has slightly acid taste.; It is also mixed with pulp from the fruit of Balanites aegyptiaca to make a syrup.

Habitat & North American Range

One of the most common trees in the savannah of Sudan, often occurring as a pure forest over quite large areas of country. Frequently, it grows in groups or patches, sometimes of considerable size, in areas inhabited by Senegalia senegal. (Zone 10)