A South African Afrikaans term for the black thorn tree (Acacia mellifera or a similar species native to southern Africa).
A South African Afrikaans term for the black thorn tree (Acacia mellifera or a similar species native to southern Africa). Literally meaning 'black hook' in Afrikaans — a reference to the tree's dark, curved thorns. Used in farming, ecology, and conservation contexts in South Africa and neighboring countries. Not slang; a practical regional common name.
The ranch was bordered by a dense thicket of swarthaak that snagged on anyone trying to push through.
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A South African Afrikaans name for a spiny or thorny plant, literally meaning 'hook-and-stab' — describing the double-action of plants with recurved hooks and sharp points that catch and pierce skin or clothing. The name is applied to various thorny shrub species in the South African veld. The Afrikaans compound perfectly captures the experience of walking through dense thorn scrub.
(South African English) , a species of plant known for its sharp thorns.
(South Africa, now, offensive) coral tree, especially.
(South Africa) camelthorn.
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(South Africa) An African thorn tree, .
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