Today, A. senegal is grown primarily for gum, but plays a secondary role in agricultural systems, restoring soil fertility and providing fuel and fodder. The tree has many branches and erect twigs spreading within the upright part.
Leaves are small, grey-green, alternate, and bipinnate.
The rachis sometimes have prickles. The white or cream colored flowers occur on 2-12 cm long spikes. Seeds are nearly round to flat olive brown, and 8-12 mm in diameter. The tree flowers during the rainy season. Acacia senegal var.