Sand thorn
Sand thorn: Sand thorn (Acacia arenaria) are a multi-stemmed, v-shaped small tree or shrub. It grows from between 1 to 4m high and grows on rocky ground such as limestone. Found mainly in northern Namibian ranges such as Epupa Falls, around the Kwando River, Linyati Marsh region of the Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip) and in Owamboland.
Mature bark tends to colour dark-grey to reddish, often peeling to reveal a greenish under bark. Straight thorns grow below the nodes in pairs. Cylindrical leaves are yellow-green. The round head of the inflorescence blooms white to cream-coloured from January to April. Fruit is contained in a near hairless curved pod, which will split open when mature.
Goats and cattle browse young leaves and shoots. A tea brewed with the roots can treat the common cold and roots double up when chewed as a treatment for coughs.
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