Differential phenolic profiles in six African savanna woody species in relation to antiherbivore defense

► Related Acacia species were chemically dissimilar. ► Acacia grandicornuta was chemically most dissimilar from other species. ► Amongst the species studied, chemical defenses were significantly better expressed in the absence of spinescens. ► The evergreen and unpalatable Euclea divinorum had a high myricitrin concentration.