Vachellia gerrardii subsp. gerrardii flowers

The fragrant flowers of Acacia gerrardii subsp. gerrardii grow from the axils of the thorns among the leaves. The younger the buds, the greener they appear. The flowers are spherical, white to cream fluffy balls, becoming from 10 mm to 12 mm in diameter. There may be up to 15 flowers growing from one node.

Some of the hairy peduncles (stalks of the flowers) may be 5 cm long. There is a tiny ring of bracts (an involucel) on the peduncle near its base, or at least below halfway.

Flowering happens from late winter to early autumn, depending on rain. After good rains the red thorn trees may be profusely covered in flowers.

The hairy fruit pod that follows mainly in summer and autumn is narrow, pronouncedly sickle-shaped or falcate, up to 16 cm long. The pods taper at both ends, more gradually at the base.

Ripe pods will dehisce (split) to release their seeds late in summer and in autumn. Seeds are sometimes seen dangling from their attachments, known as funiculi, on the dehisced pods. About ten olive-grey seeds may grow in one pod.

The pods are relished by cattle (Carr, 1976; Coates Palgrave, 2002; Pooley, 1993; iNaturalist).