Umbrella Thorn

The Umbrella Thorn (Acacia tortilis subsp. spirocarpa, Mimosoideae)is a perennial tree that takes the shape of an inverted triangle. It belongs to the Mimosoideae species. "Acacia Tortilis" is one of the species cultivated in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These trees are commonly known as "al-Samar." The umbrella thorn is endemic to tropical areas. It is cultivated in East Africa, on rocky hills and sand dunes. Its cultivation extends to the Sahara Desert.

The umbrella thorn is a fast-growing tree. It grows up to twelve m. It features several trunks and is topped by an extended flat crown. It bears branches featuring bristles. Its new branches are covered with soft fibers. It bears white, pleasantly smelling flowers that bloom from the beginning of March until the end of July. The tree bears twisted-pod-shaped fruits that grow up to fifteen cm.

The umbrella thorn grows in gravelly, laterite, calcareous, and saline loam soils. It can withstand desert conditions. It propagates from seeds and seedling cultivation. It can withstand urban environments, drought, and heat. It is sensitive to dusty environments. It has a frost tolerance down to minus nine degrees. It can withstand moderate salinity levels estimated at three thousand parts per million. It requires pruning for aesthetic purposes. It requires minor irrigation and care. However, abundant irrigation supports the tree's growth during summer.

The valleys of al Mukaisir, al-Nakhira, and Umm al-Tien, in al-Wajh Governorate, Tabuk Province, teem with umbrella thorn trees, of great help to the environment, form a major resource for natural pastures, and offer a rich source of nectar, extracted by bees, ultimately contributing to the production of the finest Talah honey.

The umbrella thorn is an evergreen triangular tree that features sharp thorns at its base. It grows in valleys, flat sandy surfaces, and lowlands. It can withstand desert climates and covers most desert areas in the Middle East. Africa houses one species variety, "Acacia Raddiana," whose presence extends to Egypt before reaching the Kingdom. The tree assumes an instrumental role in contributing to enhancing soil fertility.

The umbrella thorn is planted in bulks. It is used for fencing sites and forming windbrakes. It is also used to delimit sand dunes and form protective tree shields. This tree attracts bees.