Brandberg acacia

Brandberg acacia: Brandberg acacia (Acacia montis-usti) can grow from between 3 to 7m high on rocky slopes and the mountains of the north-western escarpment. Look for them in the Twyfelfontein and Brandberg areas. It is a deciduous shrub or tree with numerous, very thin stems. Their characteristic flat, spreading crowns give off a broom-like appearance.

Features include a brown-red to olive-green shading in older branches, slightly curved thorns and yellow-green leaves. An inflorescence in the shape of a spike grows up to 120mm long. A dark brown fruit pod holds 6 to 10 brown seeds and splits when ripe. From September to October the flowers are cream-coloured.