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They typically grow up to 7 metres (23 ft) in height and have strong alternate thorns, generally up to 8 cm (3.1 in) long. The bipinnately compound leaves are up to 15 centimetres (5.9 in) long. Flowers of the Dichrostachys cinerea are characteristically arranged in bicoloured cylindrical spikes that resemble Chinese lanterns, 6 to 8 centimetres (2.4 to 3.1 in) long and fragrant. Upper flowers of a hanging spike are sterile, and are of a lilac or pale purple colour with the bottom half of the spikes displaying yellow flowers. Pods are usually a mustard-brown and are generally twisted or spiralled and may be up to 100 by 15 millimetres (3.94 in × 0.59 in). The species can be subcategorized with two slight variations that have been recognised: D. cinerea ssp. africana and D. cinerea ssp. nyassana, the latter which is typically larger and less hairy in its foliage. The species tends to grow in drier forests and woodlands at altitudes of up to 2,000 metres (6,600 ft). It often occurs in areas with a strong seasonal climate with a wide-ranging mean annual temperature and with a mean annual rainfall ranging from 200 to 400 millimetres (7.9 to 15.7 in). …

It is native to Africa, the Indian subcontinent and North Australia and had been introduced to the Caribbean and parts of Southeast Asia. In Ethiopia, the species is common in the Nechisar National Park. The tree was brought to the Caribbean in the 19th century. In various countries, such as Namibia, it is considered a dominant species of woody plant encroachment. In Cuba, where it is known as El Marabú or Marabou weed, it has become a serious invasive species problem, occupying about 4,900,000 acres (20,000 km2) of agricultural land. Plans are underway to exploit it as a source of biomass for renewable power generation. This tree is appearing in peninsular Florida. It is as yet uncertain if it was introduced by humans or birds.

Fruit and seeds that grow on Dichrostachys cinerea are edible. Cattle, camels and game such as giraffe, buffalo, kudu, hartebeest, nyala, red forest duiker and Damara dik-dik feed on the juicy pods that fall to the ground. Such animals also feed on the immature twigs and leaves of the tree which are rich in protein (11–15%) and minerals. The flowers can be a valuable source of nectar for honey production. The wood is of a dense nature and burns slowly with no toxicity, so it is often used for fuelwood. The species yields a medium to heavy, durable hardwood and is often used in smaller domestic items as walking sticks, handles, spears and tool handles, particularly in central Africa. Although there are currently limited to no evidence that can support these claims, the bark is used in traditional medicine for headache, toothache, dysentery and elephantiasis, while root infusions are used for leprosy, syphilis, coughs, as an anthelmintic, purgative and strong diuretic. Leaves are used for treating epilepsy and also as a diuretic and laxative. A powdered form is massaged on limbs with bone fractures. The roots are also sometimes used for bites or stings. …

The generic name Dichrostachys means 'two-colored spike', referring to its two-colored inflorescence, from the Ancient Greek δί- (di-, 'twice'), χροός (khroos, 'color'), and στάχυς (stakhus, 'ear of grain'). The specific name cinerea refers to the greyish hairs of the typical subspecies, from the Latin cinereus ('ashes').