We normally rage about tall acacia trees that provide magnificent shade when we post about destinations in Naivasha. But we have rarely gone past this description. Well, this post features these beautiful tall trees that are more resourceful than providing shade. Here is a short insight into the Yellow Barked Acacia Tree.
Name
The Yellow Barked Acacia is also known as Yellow Fever Acacia and Naivasha Thorn Tree. The names come from its physical attributes of having bright yellow barks and thorns on most of its branches.
Habitat
The Yellow Fever Acacia is found in low-lying areas that have a high water table. Such areas include Naivasha, Nakuru and Baringo, all of which are in the low Rift Valley. Not all areas with high water tables have these trees however because it also needs other attributes to survive. These include black cotton soils, semi-arid conditions and mildly high temperatures.
Growth
The Yellow Fever tree grows easily and fast given the right conditions. The seeds are dispersed by animals, birds and through felling activities. You are advised not to grow the tree near buildings because the trees have extensive tap root systems that can damage the structure during growth.
Uses
The Yellow Fever tree has dozens of uses, despite it being treated as a wild plant. Some of these uses include:
- The bark of the tree is used to treat malaria. This is another source for its name.
- The roots of the tree also have medicinal values. They can be used to treat pain and inflammation.
- The tiny leaves of the acacia tree are great sources of nutrition for animals especially giraffes. Local communities who graze their animals around these trees find that their livestock, especially goats, enjoy the leaves.
- The tree provides wood that is a great source of charcoal, but only when used sustainably.
- The trunks provide strong and tall posts for electrical and other purposes as long as they are treated.
- The branches can be used to create natural fences and barriers thanks to their thorns.\
Other features
Due to its height and thorn presence, a variety of birds prefer the Yellow Fever acacia tree as a nesting area. It keeps them safe from most predators.
The trees can be grown as aesthetic plants. In such a case, they should be grown in groups of more than five for the best effects.
