Thorn-tree

Commonly called 'Acacias', this thorn-tree belongs in fact to genus Vachellia (see Notes for some details, and Wikipedia references for more). I suspect this one to be the Camel thorn, or Vachellia erioloba, but don't feel equipped enough to be certain, so prefer to leave it at genus level. This is a an attractive tree from far away, about 6 to 7 meters tall with multiple stems. The inflorescences are golden yellow, a bit over 1 cm in diameter, and equipped with a pair of mighty thorns - these thorns, about 6 to 8 cm long, are more resistant than an average 4x4 vehicle tyre, and capable of ripping it off like a balloon (let alone the sole of your shoe - I tested that one some years ago...) if you are unlucky enough to drive over the dead branch, which I tested few times. The seed pods (pic N° 4) are about 10cm in length and slightly curved. Leaves are bipennate, with opposite leaflets.