Acacia arabica (Vachellia nilotica قرط) – Kikar Tree

Acacia arabica, also known as Vachellia nilotica or the Kikar tree قرط, is a resilient, medium-sized tree native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Asia. In the UAE and surrounding regions, it thrives in arid and semi-arid conditions. Known for its distinctive umbrella-shaped canopy and thorny branches, this tree plays an important ecological and economic role, providing shade, fodder, and medicinal benefits.

Benefits of Acacia arabica (Vachellia nilotica)

• Highly drought-tolerant and well-adapted to desert and dry climates
• Improves soil fertility through nitrogen fixation
• Provides shade and shelter for livestock and other plants
• Used in traditional medicine for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties
• Wood and bark are valuable for timber, fuel, and tannin extraction
• Acts as a windbreak and helps prevent soil erosion

Care Tips for Acacia arabica (Vachellia nilotica)

• Light: Requires full sunlight for optimal growth
• Watering: Very low; water only during establishment or prolonged droughts
• Soil: Grows well in sandy, loamy, or slightly saline soils with good drainage
• Pruning: Minimal pruning needed; shape young trees and remove dead or crossing branches
• Fertilizer: Not required; naturally improves soil nitrogen levels