IN FLOWER

The Acacia Karroo or "sweet thorn" is in flower in great profusion at the moment, probably as the result of the wonderful rains this area has had recently. It is my favourite local tree, although I gather it is widespread in the rest of the country as well.
In bygone days it was most useful. The smallstock graze the leaves, flowers, seeds and new young shoots. The early pioneers used the bark for tanning, the gum as gum-arabic and the seed as a coffee substitute! Now-a-days the wood is sought after for "braai-ing" (barbeque-ing)