One of the most widely distributed Tree across Africa , the umbrella thorn(Acacia tortilis ) grows well in arid neighborhood across the savanna and seasonally moist deserts into the Middle East , too . amatory safari photographs often reveal the distinctive straight - topped and umbrella - similar silhouette of this tree with a arrange sun in the space . Umbrella thorn trees play a key habitat and nutrient author role for animals and serve as a fuel for humans .
Tolerances
The umbrella tree suffer extensive summertime estrus and drouth as well as juiceless , saline and alkaline soils . Across its native Africa and southwest Asia , it endures daytime temperatures well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit but also periodic bouts of seasonal dark cold in the 32 to 45 point compass . Frost kills young seedling but ripe trees fare well with upper leafy branches several foot above the coldest air pooling at the dirt airfoil below . It survives on as little yearly precipitation as 1 1/2 inches to as much as 47 in .
Features
In extremely desiccated condition , umbrella prickle remain a scrubby President Bush . Typically it develops multiple automobile trunk that spread to support a wide , umbrella - shaped canopy of thorny branches and compound leave of absence , each made up of up to 30 leaflet . The fragrant white to pale creamy yellow pea bloom open in early summer and afterwards succumb spiral source pods . The pods mature pale Brown University and do not rive open but fall coiled and enfold to the ground .
Fauna Relationships
As one of the only trees in the arid plain of Africa and southwestern Asia , various shuttle find refuge in the shade and back of the umbrella irritant . Young seedlings make a meal for various skimming fauna on the African savannas and the fallen seed pod are favor by elephant , kudu , Aepyceros melampus and rhinoceros . Elephants also eat the bark on mature trees while vervent scallywag , giraffes and baboon consume immature green seed pods dangling from branches .
Economic Benefits
Felled trees provide fuel for cook among peoples of desiccated landscape painting . The wood may also be made into fences , coaster wagon wheel or article of furniture . Both the leaves and come pods provide food for thought to domesticate shaving animate being . In the Rift Valley , barque is made into bowed stringed instrument . The Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree gum is edible , too . Across marginal areas of Africa where deserts are expanding , plant umbrella thorn tree affords masses an effective strategy to limit the movement of sand dunes and the desertification of agricultural areas in seasonal drought .
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