Grey camelthorn

Grey camelthorn: The grey camelthorn (Acacia haematoxylon) only grows to the south-east to central east regions on red Kalahari sand. This tree does grow in places with the Camelthorn tree and they often hybridise. The silver-grey foliage and drooping branches are often a feature on hummocks, sandy plains and dunes.

Features include straight thorns, dark grey to dark brown bark and grey-brown branchlets. The leaves are olive green and yellow flowers bloom from November to March. When mature the fruit pod will open and the fruit wall can be eaten . The hardwood of the heart of this tree is blood red in colour, hence the scientific name. An edible resin seeps from the bark.