Vachellia xanthophloea (Fever tree )

Vachellia xanthophloea, Acacia xanthophloea, Fever tree

Botanical names: Vachellia xanthophloea, Acacia xanthophloea

Common name: Fever tree

Subfamily: Mimosoideae

Origin: South Africa

The fever tree is an attractive, semi-deciduous to deciduous tree approximately 15 to 25 meters tall and has an open, rounded to spreading or flattish crown which is sparsely foliated. The characteristic, almost luminous, lime green to greenish-yellow bark is smooth, slightly flaking, and coated in a yellow powdery substance. If the powdery surface is rubbed away with the finger it will reveal a green bark beneath. It has a slender to spreading, sparse, roundish crown of feathery foliage. The thorns are long, straight and paired.

This species occurs in groups in low-lying swampy areas. Because its range coincides with regions where malaria is prevalent, it is called "Fever Tree."