Acacia Robusta – Brack Thorn

Acacia Robusta – Brack Thorn
Take a walk from Clair Avenue down the stairway to Princess Anne Place and you will see one of the finest Acacia Robusta’s in Durban. Standing proud in the natural belt that is an enclave of Pigeon Valley, this tree’s sturdy trunk and spreading crown is a landmark. Chris Reim, a long time resident of Manor Drive says that when he was a young man, he would walk past this tree on his way to the University campus, and then it was a sizable tree. When the Queen Elizabeth Avenue intersection with South Ridge Road was moved to the north of its old position, this tree was fortunately not in its path. Chris Reim says that this tree can be seen with the aid of binoculars from the harbour, especially when it is flowering. Here, safe within the reserve it will be protected for future generations to admire, both human and monkey.

These tall deciduous trees (6-20m) have trunks covered in rough bark, branches bearing grey paired thorns and feathery green leaves. From July to October the tree carries clusters of scented creamy-yellow flowers, attracting bees and butterflies. I had Durban Parks plant one in Peace Park, Manor Gardens several years ago, and it is growing very well.

Graham Leslie McCallum