Apple-ring Acacia, Winter thorn, Ana tree

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Origin: Widespread in semi arid Africa, often encountered close to rivers, where its tap root reaches the aquifer

Growth Habits: Deciduous thorny tree, up to 70 feet tall (21 m), 60 feet spread (18 m); trunk up to 6 feet in diameter (1.8 m); dull gray bark; light gray branchlets, thorns in pair, at nodes, up to 1 inch long (2.5 cm); bluish gray bipinnate, leaflets oblong, up to 0.4 inch long (1 cm), pubescent, with base unequal.

Watering Needs: Little water when established, develops a tap root, and prefers occasional deep watering, drought resistant, needs good drainage, but tolerates occasional flooding

Propagation: Seeds that need to be scarified.

In the southwest deserts, it bears leaves in winter and loses them in summer. In the wild, in tropical areas, it has leaves only during the dry season.

Blooming Habits:
Creamy yellow flowers in dense spikes, coming in late autumn, early winter

Fruiting Habits:
Orange-brown, shiny, twisted seed pods, 5 to 6 inches long (12-15 cm), 1.6 inches wide (4 cm)