Dichrostachys cinerea is a spiny, deciduous shrub or small tree, of the pea family, Fabaceae. The lilac and yellow, scented flowers appear in spring and summer from September to February. This species of legume is nitrogen-fixing and has a positive effect on the nitrogen content of the soil. It has the ability to colonize disturbed veld quickly and curbs erosion. The pods are very nutritious to animals and are eaten by stock and game, including monkeys, rhinoceros and bushpigs. They make a good specimen for the art of Bonsai. Plants are drought tolerant and shoud be grown in full sun. Mature plants can handle moderate frost.