Marabou Thorn
Dichrostachys cinereafam. Fabaceae
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Pl. 6F53 — Dichrostachys cinerea
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IOverview
Overview
Marabou Thorn, scientifically known as Dichrostachys cinerea, is a large shrub or small tree native to regions including Madagascar and parts of Africa such as Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, and the Cape Provinces. This plant thrives in full to partial sun with moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 8-12 and can grow up to 8 meters tall. Marabou Thorn is notable for its edible fruit, seed, and seedpod, making it a valuable resource for both wildlife and humans in its native range.
Quick answers
What is Marabou Thorn?
Marabou Thorn, scientifically known as Dichrostachys cinerea, is a large shrub or small tree native to regions including Madagascar and parts of Africa such as Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, and the Cape Provinces.
Compare with:African Oil Bean Oil Bean Tree→African Walnut→Allanblackia parviflora→all comparisons →
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Marabou Thorn thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows well in hardiness zones 8-12 and can reach a height of 8 meters. For propagation, seeds are the preferred method. Given its native range across various African regions, this plant is adaptable to different climates but generally requires consistent moisture for optimal growth.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
8-12
Mature size
8.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Marabou Thorn for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, low-maintenance plant that thrives in full sun and well-draining soil.
- 1
What you'll need
A Marabou Thorn sapling or seeds, a pot or garden bed, good quality topsoil.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the last frost has passed and temperatures are warm.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure soil is well-draining. For containers, use a mix of light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay soil.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant saplings directly into the garden bed or start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before planting outside.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun, regular watering, and occasional pruning to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to early spring to encourage new growth and remove dead branches.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in poorly draining soil, neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitSeedSeedpod
Edible uses: Gum
Other uses:Weaving materialBiomassFencingFiberFire starterCover cropGumHedgerowSoil conditionerSoil reclamationErosion controlLumberNitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Asia1 region
native (1)India
Africa22 regions
native (22)AngolaBeninBotswanaBurkina FasoBurundiCabo VerdeCameroonChadCôte d'IvoireEritreaEthiopiaGabonGambiaGhanaGuinea-BissauKenyaLiberiaMadagascarMalawiMaliMauritaniaMozambique
Broader regions
native:Cape Provinces, Caprivi Strip, Central African Repu, Congo, Free State, Jawa, Lesser Sunda Is.
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Fabaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Fabaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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Growing zone
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