The Root Systems of Some British Somaliland Plants-III

Abstract

Acacia misera Vatke is a common, large, thorny shrub in most parts of the country from the Guban to the Haud, and has an altitude range from 1,000 feet to 4,000 feet. It flourishes on sites of prolonged devastation and sometimes forms almost "pure stands".' Good examples of this can be seen a few miles to the west of Odweina, and in parts of the Haud. The plant may grow to a height of 3 or 4 metres, and have an equal crown diameter measurement. It has a very well developed shallow lateral root system. It was noted in several instances that the tap-root tapered down suddenly from a thickness of 7 or 8 cm. at ground level to 2 or 3 cm. at a depth of 30 or 40 cm. In the Guban this plant seemed to prefer stony or coarsely gravelly soil: