Acacia xanthophloea (Fever Tree, Yellow Barked Acacia, Naviasha Thorn)


Botanical Information

FamilyFabaceae (Mimosoideae)
GenusAcacia
Speciesxanthophloea
CategoryTropicals, Woody
TypeTree (deciduous)
OriginKenya and Tanzania south to Swaziland and Zululand. Commonly distributed in the north of Kenya in Maralal, Naivasha, Nakuru and Kiambu.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone9
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneRequires cool season protection under glass
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH4 - H3
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-7 - (-1)
Temperature (°F)20 - 30
Height33 m
GrowthMedium
Flowering PeriodApril, May

Description and Growing Information

PropagationEasily propagated by seed placed in boiling water for 12-24 hours, (allowing the water to cool during this period) and then sown before the seeds dry out. The boiling water softens the seed coat and allows quick germination which can vary from one to four weeks. Seed may be sown at any time of year although spring sown seed seems to yield slightly more significant results. Once seedlings have produced their true leaves they may be pricked off into pots and transplanted according to growth rate. Cutting may also work using half-ripened lateral shoots in mix of equal parts sand and peat/compost and placed in a heated greenhouse under moist shade; cuttings are slow to root.
Notable SpecimensMany groves and majestic specimens may be found In Nakuru National Park, Nakuru, Kenya.
HabitatOften found along river banks, seasonally flooded areas, the margins of lakes and low lying pan areas where underground water is available, at altitudes of 700-2100 m.
Bark/Stem DescriptionGreen-yellow bark with pale green young shoots and purple-brown branchlets.
Flower DescriptionCream to white-yellow with red-pink corollas found in small axiallary groups as a capitate inflorescence on peduncles of 0.8-3 cm.

Photographs