Family FABACEAE
Genus Dichrostachys
Species cinerea
SA Plant Number 190
Basionym Dichrostachys cinerea

Dichrostachys cinerea is a hardy, deciduous, multi-stemmed shrub or small tree with fine feathery Acacia-like leaves and rough fissured bark. The small tough branchlets end in sharp points.

It bears beautiful, elongated, puffball, bi-coloured, pink and yellow pendulous flowers from September to February. It then produces distinctive sickle shaped pods that are coiled into each other.

This plant will quickly grow into dense stands in disturbed areas, where its nitrogen fixing ability will help restore the soil. Use as a small specimen tree where its shape and flowers will delight you or create beautiful bonsai with this plant. It also makes a great addition to a barrier planting.

Plant this drought-resistant plant in full sun or partial shade and prune regularly to keep in shape.

Size: 3 to 7 meter.

Pollen rich flowers: Pollen rich flowers attract insects to the garden, which, in turn, attract insetivorous birds to the garden.

Nesting: The dense, thorny branches create safe nesting sites for smaller birds.

Soil restoration: This plant quickly grow into dense stands in disturbed areas where its nitrogen fixing ability will help restore the soil.

Landscaping: Beautiful specimen tree for small gardens. This is a good bonsai subject. Excellent plant for a security hedge or barrier planting.

Limpopo, North West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu Natal, Free State

Biome Grassland, Savanna

Habitat Wooded grassland and dry savanna.

Growth Rate: Fast Growing, Evergreen or Deciduous: Deciduous , Hardiness - Frost: Frost Hardy, Plant Type: Shrub - Large, Plant Type: Tree - Small, Position: Semi-shade, Position: Sun - Afternoon, Position: Sun - Full, Soil: Well-drained, Garden Uses: Bird Friendly, Garden Uses: Bonsaai, Garden Uses: Container Plant, Garden Uses: Hedge, Garden Uses: Hot afternoon sun, Garden Uses: Screen plant - medium, Garden Uses: Small Gardens, Garden Uses: Specimen, Hardiness - Drought: Drought Resistant, Flower colour: Pink shades, Flower colour: Yellow shades, Garden type: Arid garden, Garden type: Bushclumps, Garden type: Bushveld, Garden type: Rainwater Harvesting Garden, Garden type: Wildlife Garden,

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