Tonga: Mumpangala.

Lozi: Mukokoto.

Eng: Paperback (Acacia) thorn.

Ecology: An acacia with several variants, found from southern Africa to central north and west Africa at altitudes from sea level to 1,850 m. The tree is typical of the flat-topped acacias and locally common in munga woodland and eroded grasslands, occurs occasionally in mopane.

Uses: Fodder (leaves, fruit), tools (hoes), ink (gum).

Description: A medium sized deciduous tree, variable in height, reaching 18 m, branches spreading forming a rounded umbrella or low flattened crown. Bark: usually grey and rough, sometimes yellow-brown and flaking especially on branches, young branchlets golden hairy. THORNS: in pairs, straight and white, 1-10 cm, often absent over much of the tree. Leaves: compound and feathery, 6-23 pairs pinnae on a stalk to 15 cm, with very many tiny leaflets, no hairs or very hairy. Flowers: in round heads, white-cream-yellow, sweet scented. Fruit: large hanging pods 9-21 cm curved, thick and woody. Shiny brown or hairy, very slow to release 1-15 seeds embedded in a white spongy tissue.