Senegalia burkei 'Black Monkey Thorn' (Specimen)

Native from Angola through Botswana, Mozambique, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, Senegalia burkei is a large deciduous tree known for its spreading crown, creamy white flower spikes, bright red seed pods, and pairs of dark hooked thorns. It was formerly classified as Acacia burkei and was named in honor of naturalist Joseph Burke, who collected the tree near the Magaliesberg during the 1840s. It can become an impressive landscape tree but is also cultivated as an unusual bonsai specimen, and a very popular choice with interior designers.

We've been growing this stunner for approximately 4 years.  It can be delivered locally or shipped nationwide for an additional fee.  

🌞 Light

Provide full sun for strong, compact growth. Young plants can be introduced to direct sunlight gradually to prevent leaf scorch. Indoor specimens require the brightest available location or a powerful grow light.

💧 Watering

Water thoroughly when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil have dried. Young plants appreciate consistent moisture during active growth, while established specimens tolerate periods of drought. Reduce watering after the leaves drop during dormancy.

🕳️ Soil

Use a loose, well draining mix containing coarse sand, pumice, perlite, and quality potting media. Good drainage is essential, especially when the plant is grown in a container.

🧪 Fertilizing

Feed monthly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer at half strength. Stop fertilizing when the tree becomes dormant and resume when new growth appears.

🪴 Repotting

Repot every 2 to 3 years at the beginning of the growing season. Trim roots carefully if maintaining the plant as a bonsai and use a sturdy container with drainage holes. Handle the branches cautiously because they develop sharp hooked thorns.

💀 Toxicity

None-Toxic