Monkey Thorn Bonsai Tree
(acacia galpiwii)

The Monkey Thorn is a deciduous tree, losing its leaves during the winter. This Acacia has creamy to light yellow flowers that appear during the growing season (September-October). Reddish to purplish brown pods ripen during February-March. The monkey Thorn is native to Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Botswana, and South Africa. The name Acacia is derived from the Greek word 'Akis' meaning a point or a spike, referring to the thorns. The species was named in honor of Earnest Galpin (1854-1941) a plant collector. Monkeys like taking cover in its wide branches and may also eat the pods & seeds, hence the common name. Many insects such as bees & wasps visit the flowers. Ripe fruit pods burs open, releasing the seeds.