A shrub of 1 to 5 m (3.3 to 16 ft) in height, Vachellia oerfota or Acacia oerfota is found in the bushland of eastern tropical Africa and north upwards to Iran. It branches from its base to form a domed shape, shrouded with pinnate leaves of five to sixteen leaflet pairs and heads of greenish white flowers. At the base of the leaves are thick thorns up to 2.7 cm (1 in) long. In its native range, the species is valued as a source of fodder for goats and camels, though during droughts it can concentrate dangerous levels of prussic acid in the foliage. As a leguminous plant, it can also fix atmospheric nitrogen, increasing soil fertility for nearby plants. The bark of the shrub contains tannins, which as an astringent are used medicinally to treat wounds and skin problems, among other applications. Vachellia oerfota grows best in a sunny position in well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic soil.

Suitable for outdoor planting in USDA plant hardiness zones 9a to 11

Minimum tested germination rate is 65%

Collected in 2021 in Kenya