Vachellia nilotica (widely known by the taxonomic synonym
Acacia nilotica, or the common names
gum arabic tree, ببول / کیکر ،
Babul/Kikar,
Egyptian thorn,
Sant tree,
Al-sant or
prickly acacia; called
thorn mimosa or
prickly acacia in Australia;
lekkerruikpeul or
scented thorn in South Africa;
karuvela maram in South India) is a species of
Vachellia native to
Africa, the
Middle East and the
Indian subcontinent. It is also currently an
invasive species of significant concern in
Australia.