Family: Fabaceae
Author: (Delile) P.J.H.Hurter
Bibliography: D.J.Mabberley, Plant-book, ed. 3: 1021 (2008)
Year: 2008
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Vachellia
Vegetable: False
Observations: Sahara to Eritrea and Zambia, Arabian Pen.
Description
Shittimwood, botanically referred to as Vachellia seyal, belongs to the Fabaceae family and is a significant botanical species found in diverse regions such as the Sahara, Eritrea, Zambia, and the Arabian Peninsula. This resilient tree flourishes in arid environments, making it a prominent part of the landscape in these regions.
The scientific name Vachellia seyal was attributed to this species by the botanist (Delile) P.J.H. Hurter, highlighting the detailed classification and study of this plant. Shittimwood is well-regarded for its hard, dark-colored wood, which has historically been utilized in various cultural and practical applications, including furniture making, fence posts, and tool handles.
Moreover, Shittimwood plays an essential ecological role in its native habitat. It provides a source of forage for wildlife and livestock and contributes to soil stability, preventing erosion in the arid regions where it grows. The tree’s ability to thrive in harsh conditions underscores its importance in the ecological balance and its adaptive characteristics.
In summary, Shittimwood (Vachellia seyal) exemplifies botanical resilience and utility, serving both ecological functions and human needs. Its widespread presence from the Sahara to the Arabian Peninsula and Zambia demonstrates its adaptability and significance in various arid environments. For further reading and detailed information on this species, refer to D.J. Mabberley’s Plant-book, 3rd edition, page 1021, published in 2008.
Common Names
Por: esponjinha-amarela, árvore-da-goma-arábica
Eng: shittimwood, talh, thirtythorn, whistlingtree
En: Shittimwood, Talh, Thirtythorn, Whistlingtree
Pt: Esponjinha-amarela, Árvore-da-goma-arábica
Synonyms
- Acacia seyal (Delile)
Distribution
- Algeria (native)
- Benin (native)
- Burkina (native)
- Burundi (native)
- Cameroon (native)
- Central African Repu (native)
- Chad (native)
- Djibouti (native)
- Egypt (native)
- Eritrea (native)
- Ethiopia (native)
- Gambia (native)
- Ivory Coast (native)
- Kenya (native)
- Mali (native)
- Mozambique (native)
- Niger (native)
- Nigeria (native)
- Saudi Arabia (native)
- Senegal (native)
- Somalia (native)
- Sudan (native)
- Tanzania (native)
- Uganda (native)
- Yemen (native)
- Zambia (native)
- Florida (introduced)
- Honduras (introduced)
- Texas (introduced)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Bark
Taken May 25, 2019 by Denis Bastianelli (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 2, 2020 by Aranda Sebastian (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Mar 2, 2020 by Aranda Sebastian (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 2, 2020 by Aranda Sebastian (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Mar 2, 2020 by Aranda Sebastian (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3974722)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77089276-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Vachellia seyal (Delile) P.J.H. Hurter)