Mountain thorn

Mountain thorn: The mountain thorn (Acacia hereroensis) is a rather untidy looking tree or shrub that usually grows from between 3 and 5m high. The larger specimens favour ephemeral river beds, especially in the Karas Mountains. The more common habitats are in the Highland Savannah of central Namibia, usually on hill slopes, where the common name of mountain-thorn is particularly appropriate.

From October to March the flowers are cream-coloured. A rough dark grey-brown to black bark, curved thorns, pale green leaves and reddish-brown to olive-green ripe pods add to the overall attractiveness of this tree. Cattle and game browse the leaves and the flowers can be used as a treatment for coughs.