Gum Arabic Tree Plant Care

Gum Arabic Tree (Senegalia senegal) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Senegalia genus. Gum Arabic Tree is native to semi-desert regions of Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as Oman, Pakistan, and west coastal India. Gum Arabic Tree is also known as Gum Senegal Tree, Kordofan Gum, Acacia senegal.

Gum Arabic Tree displays a tall, spreading tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Gum Arabic Tree produces small, creamy white spherical clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Gum Arabic Tree every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Gum Arabic Tree thrives in full sun.

Senegalia senegal tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Gum Arabic Tree prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Gum Arabic Tree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Gum Arabic Tree every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Gum Arabic Tree is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Gum Arabic Tree can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Gum Arabic Tree while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Gum Arabic Tree is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Gum Arabic Tree can be propagated through seeds, root cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to texas acacia plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Gum Arabic Tree is susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Gum Arabic Tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Gum Arabic Tree is native to semi-desert regions of Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as Oman, Pakistan, and west coastal India. In cooler regions, grow Gum Arabic Tree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.