Sweet thorn

Sweet thorn is one of South Africa’s most beautiful and useful trees. It grows in the arid Karroo desert along the west coast of South Africa where it is often one of the only trees seen.

Sweet thorn can survive here because the trees have long taproots that can reach the water deep underground. In the summer, the tree is full of yellow, pom-pom-like, sweet-scented flower-balls.

The wood has been used to make timber rafts and the thorns have been used as sewing needles. The leaves, flowers and seedpods are readily eaten by both domesticated and wild animals.

When the bark is damaged, the tree exudes a red-golden, sweet, rubbery juice, that, when dried, is referred to as 'cape-gum'. It was formerly used in the production of confectionery. 

Fact box:

• Greenhouse location: The Dessert House
• Danish name: Karroo-akacie
• Latin name: Acacia karroo
• Family: Pea family / Fabaceae
• Natural habitat: Southafrica

Learn more about other plants here.