Kenya: Ol Pejeta Conservancy – Whistling Thorn Acacia
An amazing plant species – the Whistling Thorn Acacia – is widespread in the plains of East Africa. In addition to having big skin-piercing thorns, this plant also developed a symbiotic relationship with ants by growing bulbous nods on each thorn. Ants populate the nods for the plant’s juice and nectar but also attack any animal trying to chew the acacia leaves or branches. Ants make entry and exit holes in the bulbous nods and when the wind blows – the acacia produces a whistling sound, hence the name.
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