Acacia polyacantha, also called Senegalia polyacantha in a modern effort to divide the Acacia genus into specific groups, is a fast-growing, deciduous tree with an attractively pale trunk. Its bark often peels off, revealing a whitish stem underneath, and is studded with hooked thorns that grow in pairs. These features give the tree the common name white thorn. Reaching 10 to 15 m (33 to 49 ft) in height—and in rare specimens 25 m (82 ft)—the species has a relatively flat crown and produces spikes of fragrant cream-colored flowers up to 15 cm (6 in) long, which are dependent on rainfall. Acacia polyacantha has uses in agroforestry as a nitrogen-fixer and hedge plant, and the root extract is applied medicinally for snakebites and to calm children at nighttime in a bath. The roots also have a pungent odor that is thought to repel snakes and crocodiles and is sometimes arranged around the rafters of a house or river crossings for this purpose. While primarily harvested for firewood, the tree is also a source of gum arabic, a resin that seeps from its trunk and branches and is used in candy and as an adhesive. The white thorn grows best in full sun or dappled shade and alluvial soil with good drainage, though can tolerate more compacted soil.

Suitable for outdoor planting in USDA plant hardiness zones 10 to 11

Minimum tested germination rate is 67%

Collected in 2021 in Kenya