Outdoor, full sun
Blackthorn Acacia
AED 1,050each
Prices include 5% VAT.
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- Blackthorn Acacia × 1
- AED 1,050
- Total
- AED 1,050
Free delivery in Dubai over AED 199.
Or split into 4 interest-free payments withtabby
Next-day delivery in Dubai, free over AED 199 (AED 30 below). Outside Dubai: Sharjah AED 100, other emirates AED 200. Fees include VAT
Arrives damaged or wrong? Send a photo on WhatsApp on the day of delivery and we'll replace or refund it.
About this plant
A thorny desert acacia with fine leaves and scented cream flowers. Full sun and little water once settled, for larger gardens.
Blackthorn Acacia (Acacia mellifera, now also known as Senegalia mellifera) is a tree native to dry parts of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It has a spreading, multi-branched crown with small, rounded leaflets and hooked black thorns, and produces clusters of fragrant creamy white flowers that attract bees, which is why it is also called honey acacia.
It is extremely well adapted to Dubai. It tolerates intense heat, full sun, sandy soils and long dry periods once established. Young trees need deep watering through their first summers. The thorns are sharp and hooked, so it is best planted away from paths, play areas and seating.
It works well in desert-style landscapes, large villa plots, farms and boundaries where a natural barrier is useful. We offer it as a mature tree of around 3.5 to 4 m.
- Watering
- Deep watering every 3 to 4 days in the first summer; every 10 to 14 days once established
Why people love it
- A hardy desert tree with fine leaves and fragrant cream flowers.
- It tolerates drought, heat and salty soil.
- It makes a tough, low-water shade tree.
- It works for security hedging because of its thorns.
Light
Full sun
AC
Keep it 1 metre from vents
Pets
Not listed in the ASPCA database (checked under Acacia mellifera, Blackthorn and Senegalia mellifera). Check with your vet if you have pets.
Worth knowing
- The ASPCA does not list it, so check with a vet if you have pets.
- Hooked thorns can cause painful injuries.
- Young trees stay thin and spindly for a few seasons.
- Not a choice for play areas or tight paths.
Why Green Beetle, Not a Nursery
What changes when you buy here instead of collecting from a nursery.
| Compare | Plant Nursery | Green Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Plant quality | Grown outdoors, stressed indoors | Acclimatized for Dubai interiors |
| Before dispatch | Not checked | Checked for damage |
| Repotting | Needed straight away | Fresh soil, not needed |
| Delivery | You collect | Delivered, packed properly |
| After-care | None | WhatsApp help from our team |
Questions about Blackthorn Acacia? Talk to our team.
Care Guide for Dubai Homes
How to keep Blackthorn Acacia healthy through the Dubai year.
Light
Full sun. Keep it out of harsh direct afternoon sun in summer.
Watering
Deep watering every 3 to 4 days in the first summer; every 10 to 14 days once established. Water when the top 2 to 3 cm of soil feels dry, empty the saucer afterwards, and check the soil before you water: AC slows how fast the plant uses water.
Care notes
Soil: sandy, free-draining soil; tolerates poor desert soils. Feeding: not usually needed. Common mistake: planting it beside paths or play areas, where the hooked thorns catch skin and clothing. Where it works: desert landscapes, large plots, farms and boundary barriers.
AC and air flow
Keep it at least 1 metre from AC vents. Cold air blowing straight onto the leaves dries the edges.
Cleaning the leaves
Dust settles quickly in Dubai homes. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth every few weeks so they keep taking in light.
Feeding and repotting
Feed once a month from March to October. Repot every 2 years into a pot one size up, or book a Plant Doctor visit and we do it for you.
Pets
Not listed in the ASPCA database (checked under Acacia mellifera, Blackthorn and Senegalia mellifera). Check with your vet if you have pets.
Need Help Later On?
Book a Plant Doctor visit: our team checks the plant, changes the soil, feeds, prunes and cleans it, and shows you how to keep it healthy.
Book a Plant Doctor VisitComplete Your Space
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Blackthorn Acacia FAQs
Is Blackthorn Acacia native to the region?
Yes. It grows naturally in dry parts of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
How much water does it need?
Deep watering every few days in its first summer, then very little once established.
Is it toxic to pets?
It is not listed in the ASPCA database, but its hooked thorns can injure pets. Check with your vet if you have pets.
Where should I plant it?
Away from paths and seating because of the thorns. It suits boundaries and open desert-style areas.
Need 10 or more for an office, hotel or restaurant?
We install and maintain them too, with one written quote.