River thorn: An Acacia robusta is a deciduous tree with a flattened, sprawling crown that can reach 20m in height. The leaves are visible for most of the year. Impalila Island, the confluence of the Zambezi and Chobe Rivers, is the only known location the river thorn grows.
White flowers blossom as early as June but normally from August to September. Features include grey/dark-brown to black bark, straight, paired thorns, dark green leaves. Game and livestock browse the pods and leaves. Although the pale yellow-brown wood is hard, it is not insect resistant and is off little use.