Senegalia (Acacia) nigrescens
The Knob Thorn is a well-known tree, thanks to its characteristic spines, occurring in the low-lying areas of northern Kwazulu-Natal, the Lowveld of Mpumalanga and Limpopo, and along the Limpopo River Valley. Beyond our borders it is found as far north as Tanzania. It may grow up to 18m tall and is very drought resistant. Many animals, particularly giraffes and elephants, love browsing on the leaves and pods of the Knob Thorn.
Knob Thorn in bloom
Knob Thorn
Knob Thorn
Knob Thorn
Knob Thorn leaves
Knob Thorn leaves
Knobthorn flowers
DeWetsWild 
This makes me feel homesick for the Lowveld, where I grew up!
Knobthorns really come to their right in the Lowveld!
Fascinating
Nature really is, Sherry!
Looks as uncomfortable as our cacti. 😆
When you’re charged by some or other animal climbing this tree might be just as painful as facing claws and horns! 😀
True. A choice to avoid if possible. 😉
It is quite iconic, isn’t it? We often see photos of giraffes browsing on that tree. I had no idea it was so thorny.
Quite right, Tracy. Isn’t it amazing that a giraffe’s tongue isn’t fazed by those sharp hooks!
Very impressive.
Knoppies doringboom, wag-‘n-bietjie bos, worsboom, kapokboom; Afrikaans bly maar ‘n mooi taal as dit by beskrywing kom.
Dit is gewis so, Ineke!