| Acacia sieberiana | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Genus: | Acacia |
| Species: | A. sieberiana |
| Binomial name | |
| Acacia sieberiana DC. |
|
| Synonyms | |
Acacia sieberiana is a perennial tree native to Africa and introduced into Pakistan.[1] It is known in South Africa as the Paperbark Thorn.
This tree grows 3–25 m in height, with a trunk diameter of 0.6–1.8 m.[2]
It is not listed as being a threatened species.[1]
Contents |
Its uses include forage, medicine and wood.
Twine is made from the inside bark for stringing beads.[2]
The gum is edible.
The flowers of the tree make good forage for bees and bee hives are put directly in the trees for this.[2] The tree leaves sometimes contain chemical compounds that when ingested may release hydrogen cyanide and they can be lethal to cattle. They can be lifesaving during dry times of the year.[2]
The gum is used as food, an adhesive, and to make ink.
In Africa, the bark or root is used to treat urinary tract inflammation. The bark has astringent properties and it is used to treat colds, cough, and childhood fever.[2] According to the World AgroForestry Centre,
"A decoction of the root is taken as remedy for stomach-ache. The bark, leaves and gums are used to treat tapeworm, bilharzia, haemorrhage, orchitis, colds, diarrhoea, gonorrhoea, kidney problems, syphilis, ophthalmia, rheumatism and disorders of the circulatory system. It is also used as an astringent. The pods serve as an emollient, and the roots for stomach-ache, acne, tapeworms, urethral problems, oedema and dropsy."[2]
The tree is a legume, so it takes nitrogen gas out of the air and converts it into nitrogen fertilizer (this phenomenon is known as nitrogen fixation), from which surrounding crops benefit.[2]
Tannin is found in the bark and seed pods.[2]
The wood is fairly hard and it is used for furniture, handles for implements and tools for grinding.[2] The wood of A. sieberiana sensu lato has a density of about 655 kg/m³.[3]