Apple-ring acacia (winter thorn, ana tree) Faidherbia albida
Apple-ring acacia (winter thorn, ana tree) (Faidherbia albida) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Fabaceae family, native to Africa from Senegal and Egypt to Namibia and Limpopo; also the Middle East. It grows 10–30 m (33–98 ft) tall and 10–20 m (33–66 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -2 °C (28 °F). Space plants about 15 m (49 ft) apart.
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Apple-ring acacia (winter thorn, ana tree) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Mature height | 10–30 m (33–98 ft) |
| Mature spread | 10–20 m (33–66 ft) |
| Spacing | 15 m (49 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 8 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance moderate |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -2 °C (28 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 46 °C (115 °F) |
| Flowering | from about November for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Africa from Senegal and Egypt to Namibia and Limpopo; also the Middle East |
| Common in gardens of | 🇳🇬 Nigeria, 🇪🇹 Ethiopia, 🇰🇪 Kenya, 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇪🇬 Egypt |
Is Apple-ring acacia (winter thorn, ana tree) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous; paired white thorns. The pods are a valued livestock fodder.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Apple-ring acacia (winter thorn, ana tree)
Good neighbours
- good With Sweet corn: "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils. Evidence C
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Onions, garlic and leeks are said to stunt beans and peas (allium root exudates may reduce nodulation). Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Beans and peas are traditionally kept away from onions, garlic and leeks. Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Fennel: Fennel is reported to suppress beans and peas growing next to it. Evidence C
Questions about Apple-ring acacia (winter thorn, ana tree)
- How far apart should I plant Apple-ring acacia (winter thorn, ana tree)?
- About 15 m (49 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 10–20 m (33–66 ft).
- Does Apple-ring acacia (winter thorn, ana tree) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 8 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Apple-ring acacia (winter thorn, ana tree) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance moderate.
- How cold-hardy is Apple-ring acacia (winter thorn, ana tree)?
- It tolerates about -2 °C (28 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Apple-ring acacia (winter thorn, ana tree) flower?
- From about November for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Apple-ring acacia (winter thorn, ana tree) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous; paired white thorns. The pods are a valued livestock fodder.
- What grows well with Apple-ring acacia (winter thorn, ana tree)?
- "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Agroforestree Database: a tree reference and selection guide, World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF), Nairobi
- PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute
Notes and assumptions
- Reverse phenology: it drops its leaves in the rainy season and is green in the dry season, so crops grow in full light beneath it and livestock shelter in its shade later. Farmers across the Sahel keep it in fields (evergreen agriculture); crops under it often yield more. Orange, coiled pods like apple peel. Not modelled here: the simulation treats it as evergreen.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Bush bean Phaseolus vulgaris
- Garden pea Pisum sativum
- Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus
- Runner bean Phaseolus coccineus
- Broad bean (fava) Vicia faba
- Lima bean Phaseolus lunatus
- Cowpea (black-eyed pea) Vigna unguiculata
- Yardlong bean Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis