acacia foliage & pods | mixed media

The Acacia tortilis, or Umbrella Thorn, is instantly recognisable by its airy, feathery leaves, which help it conserve moisture in hot, dry environments. Its branches carry two kinds of thorns — long, straight white ones and shorter, hooked ones — an effective defence against browsing animals. After the rains, the tree bursts into soft, creamy-white puffball flowers that attract bees and other pollinators, later forming its signature spiraled seed pods. Tough, adaptive, and quietly beautiful, the Acacia tortilis is perfectly built for life in the African wilderness.