Black Thorn
Figure 1. Senegalia mellifera in bloom at the start of
spring. Image Credit · Morné Muller
Family: Fabaceae; Genus: Senegalia; species: mellifera
Fluctuating environmental conditions are firstly recognised by the vegetation in an ecosystem. It is as if plants have the ability to sense the unseen and predict seasonal change without even the slightest alteration in temperature, humidity, animal activity, and even day-length. Plants can detect what many humans and even animals fail to notice, allowing them to prepare and react accordingly towards the benefit of entire ecosystems. On Kameelhoek, the ability of plants to recognise and react to the changing environment determines its functionality towards supporting a variety of living organisms. Whether crawling, flying, buzzing, hopping, or trotting, all organisms depend on plants for their health, productivity, and ultimate completion of their life cycle.
The start of September (2020) on Kameelhoek still characterised conditions associated with winter. Adverse temperatures, howling winds, and pale surroundings locking a once green and lush vegetation cover into a dull and dormant state. Fortunately, signs of change could be seen appearing around localised areas. With a physical appearance of a “popcorn-like” bloom taking over large sections of the territory (Figure 1). A star character with a heightened sixth sense and a notable reputation could smell the imminence of spring. The “Black Thorn”, a dense shrub or small tree marked by the dark brown to black hooked thorns famous for grabbing hold of passersby. Highly adapted, the “Black Thorn” is a largely misunderstood species as it is known to form dense clumps of impenetrable thickets.
The “Black Thorn” is a valuable resource savoured by bees and also produces nutritious browsable material for many animals. The wood and gum have been used by the San people (Bushmen) for centuries, and is considered an important source of fuel for various purposes and may even be used for brushing teeth and maintaining a healthy smile.
rowsable material – edible parts of a woody plant (e.g. pods, twigs, leaves, and flowers