Kruger National Park Umbrella Thorn TreeThe umbrella thorn tree is a type of acacia growing in Kruger National Park. This iconic African tree gets its name from its distinct flat-topped canopy which you can spot quite easily. The trees are medium to large in size. They grow in all parts of Kruger National Park, but are more widespread on the flat ground near rivers and grazing plains.
Watch out for vervet monkeys and baboons eating the trees' green seed pods. The thorns on the tree make it a bit prickly, but giraffes have tough mouths, so they get to enjoy eating the thorn trees' leaves. Antelope browse the ground where seed pods and flower petals have fallen. These make a tasty snack for them.
If you look carefully, perhaps you'll see the tan colour of lions sleeping or just lazing in the long grass under the tree twitching their ears. The umbrella tree is hardy and can grow in:
Fancy getting your own one of these symbolic trees for your garden? Check out the plant nursery at Skukuza Rest Camp. It sells a range of plants which grow in Kruger National Park.
Return from Umbrella Thorn to Flora Return from Umbrella Thorn to Kruger National Park |
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True to its name, the umbrella tree is good at providing shade. You might see animals resting under its shady branches during the hottest part of the day. The average maximum temperature peaks at 34°C (93°F) in summer. Check the