Wattle
Acacia sensu lato- Genus of plants and shrubs commonly known as Wattle, especially in Australia and South Africa
Through November, the African Wattle is a fairly common tree and their flowering deliver a spectacular yellow hue amidst the summer greenery. Pollination through bees insects and birds. Flat pods that characteristically hang in clusters are its fruit base.
These trees are occasionally called the rain tree as a spitting bug is known to inhabit these trees in the summer
The African Wattle is classed as a small to medium sized tree reaching up to 10 meters. It is not uncommon to find specimens that are multi stemmed. the leaf growth and canopy can be generously spread, greating plenty of shade in the summer months. The leaf shape is similar to an Acacia but the absence of thorns on the wattle should avoid any misidentification. The shade and having no thorns leads itself to making a useful screen around gardens.The plant is deciduous and loses its leaves during the winter months. It is geographically wide spread throughout Southern Africa
The Shangaan people traditionally use the roots for several purposes, like preparing a soap which is good for the skin, a cure for sore throats after gargling. The roots ground into a power from helps to heal wounds and is an aide for stomach ailments. The wood can be use in furniture, carved ornaments and burnt for fuel. Useful for bee-keepers as the flowers produce high volumes of pollen and nectar.