umbrella thorn

In extremely arid conditions, it may occur as a small, wiry bush. In good conditions, it grows up to 21 m (70 ft) in height. The tree carries leaves that grow to approx. 2.5 cm (1 in) in length with between 4 and 10 pair of pinnae each with up to 15 pairs of leaflets. Its most interesting feature is that it has pairs of thorns; one long, straight and pale, the second short, curved and dark. The flowers are small and white, highly aromatic, and occur in tight clusters. The seeds are produced in pods which are flat and coiled into a springlike structure. The plant is known to tolerate high alkalinity, drought, high temperatures, sandy and stony soils, strongly sloped rooting surfaces, and to withstand sandblasting too. Also, plants older than two years have shown a degree of frost resistance.

Vachellia tortilis is widespread in Africa, being found in countries like Tunisia, Morocco, Uganda, Angola, Zimbabwe, Djibouti, and Botswana. It tends to grow in areas where temperatures vary from 0 to 50 °C (32 to 122 °F) and rainfall is anywhere from about 100–1,000 mm (3.9–39.4 in) per year.