Senegalia polyacantha | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Rosids |
Order: | Fabales |
Family: | Fabaceae |
Subfamily: | Caesalpinioideae |
Clade: | Mimosoid clade |
Genus: | Senegalia |
Species: | S. polyacantha
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Binomial name | |
Senegalia polyacantha (
Willd.) Seigler & Ebinger
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Subspecies | |
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Synonyms [1] | |
Senegalia polyacantha, also known as white thorn, is a flowering tree which can grow up to 25m tall. Polyacantha has the meaning "many thorns" in Latin. [2] The tree is native to Africa, India, the Indian Ocean and Asia, but it has also been introduced to the Caribbean. [1]
The root of Senegalia polyacantha subsp. campylacantha emits chemical compounds that repel animals including rats, snakes and crocodiles. [2]
The tree's gum is used in the manufacture of candy. [2]
Senegalia polycantha's roots and perhaps its bark have medicinal uses. The root extract is useful for snakebites [2] and is applied to wash the skin of children who are agitated at night time. [2] The root is also used for treating gonorrhea, [3] venereal diseases, [4] dysentery [4] and gastrointestinal disorders. [4]
The bark is useful for tanning. [2]
The tree's primary use is for wood. [5]