Abstract:

Acacia tortilis (Forsk.) Hayne. a species of the sub family Mimosoideae in the family Leguminosae is of a future economic importance in the arid and semi-arid lands of Africa and the Middle East. Its variation throughout the continent of Africa and into the Middle East is immense. The various uses of each part of the plant are knowledgeable and with further improvement of the plant through research} would boost the economic aspects of this species. A study on the morphological variation, distribution and utilisation of Acacia tortilis was carried out. A close relationship was found to exist in the subspecies of Acacia tortilis. Subspecies heterecantha and subspecies spirocarpa are closely related morphologically but with further research on pods and other taxonomic aspects besides morphology can assist in clarifying the differences* Subspecies raddiana is distinct from the rest of the subspecies, although field work and other taxonomic aspects for all the subspecies are necessary to confirm this aspect.