Common Names: Acacia, Egyptian mimosa
Local Names: Burkina Faso: Moore-nenga, dioula baganayiri bogonan; Fulfulde-gaoudi, gwadi; Ghana: Akan-odawoma; Mali: Bambara – bagana; Nigeria: Hausa- bagawura; Niger: Hausa –bagaroua, djema-baani; Senegal: Wolof – gonaki, Serer – nep nep; Pular – gaudi
Species ID: NMP-001, wfo-0000205536, NCBI:txid246365

Kingdom: Plantae

Clade: Angiosperms

Clade: Eudicots

Clade: Rosids

Order: Fabales

Family: Fabaceae

Genus: Vachellia

Species: V. nilotica

Synonyms: Acacia adansonii Guill. & Perr., Acacia arabica (Lam.) Willd., Acacia arabica var. cupressiformis J. Stewart, Acacia arabica var. indica Benth., Acacia arabica var. kraussiana Benth., Acacia arabica var. tomentosa Benth., Acacia benthamii Rochebr., Acacia nilotica subsp. adansonii (Guill. & Perr.) Brenan, Acacia scorpioides (L.) W. Wight, Acacia subalata Vatke, Acacia vera Willd., Mimosa adstringens Schumach. & Thonn., Mimosa arabica Lam., Mimosa nilotica L., Mimosa scorpioides L., Vachellia nilotica (L.) P.J.H. Hurter & Mabb.

Vachellia nilotica is a perennial tree reaching 5-20 meters in height, featuring a dense spherical crown with dark stems. It has fissured bark exuding reddish gum, bipinnate leaves with 3-6 pairs of pinnae, golden-yellow flower heads (1.2-1.5cm diameter), and constricted white-grey pods. Young trees have axillary thorns (5-7.5cm) that often disappear with maturity.

Native from Egypt through Sahel to Southern Africa, Arabian Peninsula, and Indian subcontinent. Thrives in savannas, dry forests, and riverbanks. Naturalized in Zanzibar and Australia where it's considered invasive.

• Antimicrobial: Effective against bacterial/fungal pathogens
• Antiviral: Essential oils show antiviral potential
• Antioxidant: Contains oxidative stress-reducing compounds
• Antidiarrheal: Bark/pods reduce gastrointestinal motility
• Anthelmintic: Effective against nematodes in livestock

⚠ Known Toxicity

Contains anti-nutritional factors (tannins/saponins). Excessive pod consumption causes gastrointestinal distress in livestock. Use medicinally in moderation.

• Fodder: Crucial dry-season feed for livestock
• Tannin Source: Used in leather industry
• Durable Wood: Ideal for tools, boats, and furniture
• Environmental Impact: Invasive in Australian ecosystems

1. Kyalangalilwa, B., et al. (2013). "Phylogenetic position and revised classification..." Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society.
2. Rajvaidhya, S., et al. (2012). "A review on Acacia Arabica..." International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

1. Wikipedia Article
2. West African Plants Photo Guide
3. Feedipedia Entry

• Stigmasterol
• Stigmast-5-en-3β-ol
• 3β- lup-20(29)-en-3ol (Lupeol)
• (5S,7R,8R,9R,10S)-(-)-7,8-seco-7,8-oxacassa-13,15-diene-7,17-diol

Ahmadu, A., Abdulkarim, A., Grougnet, R., Myrianthopoulos, V., Tillequin, F., Magiatis, P., & Skaltsounis, A. L. (2010). Two new peltogynoids from Acacia nilotica Delile with kinase inhibitory activity. Planta medica, 76(05), 458-460.