The flowers, not present at the time of this observation, are small, white and in elongated spikes. The stout, curved spines are set in pairs along the twigs and smaller branches. The fruit are flattened, almost papery pods with 2 to several seeds. Some varieties are nearly round in profile while some are more elongate. The gray bark becomes deeply fissured on large shrubs or small trees. The commercial gum exudes from cuts or injuries to the bark.

Gum Acacia is a native tree to seasonally dry savanna areas through much of Africa. The wood is used for making charcoal, but this practice also strips the land of needed forage for wild animals, flowers for bees, and many herbivorous insects that ultimately feed Kenya's diverse bird populations.