The Acacia Tree is a small but beautiful and leafy specimen, which usually grows very fast, making it ideal when it comes to beautifying your garden. In this article we present all the necessary information for you to be a connoisseur of this species, its origin, characteristics, care and much more. Go ahead and continue reading, you will be surprised!
acacia tree
The acacia tree, also popularly known as the thorn tree, has spread throughout Europe, Africa, and the Americas. It is considered both a tree and a shrub, depending on its height. This specimen not only beautifies the space it inhabits but also perfumes it with its pleasant aroma. It is a species that requires little care, possesses significant medicinal properties, and is an important part of the timber industry. Below, we present everything you need to know in detail about this beautiful species.
Origin
This species of tree was found for the first time in Africa and Oceania. The root of its name derives from the word akakia, the name given by early Greek botanists and physicians to this medicinal tree. In Australia, it is where the greatest variety of species can be observed, which reach some 940 certified species, it should be noted that there are 3000 species irrigated throughout the world but only 1400 are recognized. It was considered a sacred tree for a long time by its great medicinal properties.
Taxonomy
The Acacia Tree, whose scientific name is Acacia Mill, belongs to the plantae kingdom, of the Magnoliophyta division, also called angiosperm, of the Magnoliopsida class, that is, dicotyledons, of the fabales order due to its great importance at the industrial and medical level, family Fabaceae being the third largest species and subfamily of Mimosoideae which are legumes of the genus Acacia.
Features
The Acacia Tree, also considered a shrub, is scientifically known by the name of Acacia sensu lato, it belongs to the Fabaceae family, it is very common in gardens, parks and squares. It is a kind of legume characterized by its great leafiness and ramifications. It can reach an average height between 3 and 8 meters. There are botanical scholars who classify it as a flower. It can be easily developed in tropical and sub-tropical regions.
Depending on the species of Acacia and its climatic location, the leaves can be perennial or deciduous, that is, if it is in a desert area where rain is scarce and the temperature is high, it drops its leaves to save energy and survive. . On the other hand, the specimens that are in conditions contrary to those described, can keep their leaves all year. One of the properties it has is that they close at night or when it comes into contact with another body.
Its size will be determined according to the species it belongs to, they commonly measure approximately 10 cm, in some cases they can measure up to 20 cm in length. As for its shape, it can be lanceolate, that is, shaped like a spear point, there are also paripinnate types that have multiple leaflets on the sides of a main axis. These sprout from thorny branches or devoid of them. Its color can vary between light and dark green.
Flores
The flowers of the Acacia Tree are relatively very small, they have five petals, their inflorescence is clustered, that is, the flowers are born grouped from the same stem and the lower flowers that are in the axis and the lower flowers open first. maturation progresses towards the apex. They come in globular or cylindrical shapes, but miniature yellow, although this varies according to the species, as they can also be found white, purple, cream or red. There are species whose flowers can be both hermaphrodite and unisexual.
Seeds
The seed of the Acacia Tree is among the genus of dried fruits, in a flattened shape that gradually widens, so they are in the group of legumes. These germinate very quickly and are found in clusters of approximately 10. In the event that you want to germinate, it is advisable to make sudden changes in temperature by placing them in boiling water for a few minutes and then passing them through natural water and leaving them for a minimum of 24 hours. . Then they are placed in seedbeds with black peat and perlite, wait a few days and begin to observe the outbreaks.
Branches and Trunk
These species of trees usually have very long branches, mostly with thorns, which can measure up to 10 cm, are flexible and do not break easily. As for its trunk, it is one of the strongest and most resistant among the category of fast-growing trees, it is capable of resisting strong winds without suffering any damage.
Roots
Acacias have a very strong root system, because they root deeply in search of moisture, since they are located in desert areas with little rainfall. This is a reason not to plant it near pipes, sidewalks or pavement, a minimum distance of 3 meters should also be left between one and the other, so that its roots can develop favorably.
Multiplication
To plant Acacia, through seeds or cuttings, these steps are recommended. When it is done by germination, the seeds can be placed in very hot water and then in natural water, this temperature shock accelerates the germination process, later it is placed in a container that has a diameter of approximately 10 cm in diameter, with a good substrate. of universal cultivation and is exposed to direct sunlight. When it is done by cutting, a piece of branch of at least 40 cm is used, it is placed in the pot with enough fertilizer and perlite, it is advisable to place rooting hormones. Place it in semi-shade and water for a short period of time, the roots will be observed.
Care
The Acacia is a species that does not require further care. It can be located in the garden in full sun or in semi shade. Its cultivation is easy because it does not need fertile land, in any case you can put natural fertilizers (excrement) with that is enough. As for irrigation, it is a species that is capable of resisting droughts, it is recommended to water during growth, and later it is not necessary. Its suitable environmental temperature is tropical or sub-tropical. This plant can be planted in a pot as a shrub.
Main Species of the Acacia Tree
There are many species of Acacia Tree, but in this article we present the three most important and striking of this genus.
acacia baileyana
This Acacia or mimosa, is a kind of shrub or small tree that can measure approximately 7 meters that maintains its foliage always green and perennial, with bipinnate leaves, with numerous grayish folios. It is highly resistant to the ravages of the climate, reaching minus ten degrees, but for a short time. It blooms during the winter. Its crown is somewhat rounded, although during growth it can become pendulous.
It multiplies by seed and during the summer it can be done by cutting. It is ideal to place it in full sunlight or in semi shade. It develops without problems in poor, dry, calcareous or fresh soils. It does not require pruning, but can be done in the form of cleaning.
acacia dealbata
This tree, also known as silver mimosa, is one of the tallest of this species, reaching about 12 meters in optimal conditions, its crown is irregular and in some cases rounded. The leaves are bipinnate and many ramifications, which are presented in an opposite way with a glaucous green tone. The upper surface is devoid of hairs, but instead the underside has silver or gray hairs, which can become matted, forming a layer of wool.
Its flowering is in the form of a cymose inflorescence, with small flowers in the form of yellow balls with a pleasant aroma, which bloom during the months of January to March. They need good sun exposure, it is not very resistant to low temperatures. Watering should be moderate, increasing during flowering. It can be multiplied only through seeds. It has a short lifespan estimated between 10 and 15 years.
acacia longifolia
This Acacia or mimosa is golden for the intense yellow color of its flowers, which gives it an ornamental character. It is among the tallest of this species and fast growing, as it can reach about 12 meters in height. It is a perennial type tree and can measure up to 20 cm, it has the property of not withering. They grow well in tropical areas and flower in early spring. It does not require large amounts of water. It multiplies through the seeds.
Acacia Tree Properties
Various properties are attributed to this tree, not only in the wood industry but also in the medicinal and even magical. Industrially it is used to make furniture, floors and even boats thanks to its flexibility and great resistance to water. In the medicinal part, it is used to reduce cholesterol and blood sugar, due to its high content of antioxidants and phenolic components, it helps maintain proper liver function, as it is considered a high-impact depurative, taken as an infusion on an empty stomach. , relieves symptoms such as cirrhosis, hepatitis and biliary infections.
It is also used to clean the arteries, significantly improving cardiovascular function. It can help relieve symptoms of cold, throat infection, bronchitis, cold, for this it is recommended to gargle and drink the infusion. As for the digestive disorder, Acacia is used to treat constipation, heartburn, reflux and cleanses the colon. Likewise, it is used for treatments against anemia, combats lack of appetite, reluctance and reduces stress levels. It is an excellent ally for a slimming regimen, leveling the sugar in the body. Helps the immune system by fighting bacteria, parasites and viruses.
How to use Acacia?
In order to enjoy all the properties of Acacia, it can be used as an oil, which is prepared from the flowers by processing it with other oils. It can be used as a topical use, by cooking its leaves. You can crush the leaves together with the flowers to make a poultice to reduce inflammation or disinfect wounds thanks to its astringent properties. The bark turns to powder. Honey can be made with the sap due to its high fructose content and the most common form is infusion.
Contraindications
The Acacia, even when it is a plant and its use is natural, it is recommended to consult a doctor before consuming it, since all organisms do not process or respond in the same way. Caution should also be exercised with pregnant or lactating women. Control consumption just like any drug of chemical origin. If the person is allergic or hypersensitive, they should consult a specialist first. It is not compatible with amoxicillin, nor iron. The seeds are toxic so they should not be used or consumed.
As a side effect, symptoms of neurological disorders, upset stomach may occur if the leaf is eaten. Allergic reactions, mucosal irritation. If the dose is exceeded, nausea, fatigue, headache and general malaise may occur. It is not recommended to associate it with the intake of other medications.
Fun Facts about the Acacia Tree
Each Acacia can host an ecosystem. His life expectancy is short. Its seeds could last up to 40 years in dormant form. In Italy, women's day is usually given a sprig of mimosa. Acacia is used as a soil-fixing plant. From its trunk a resin is extracted with which gum arabic is made. There was an Acacia Tree that lived in the middle of the Sahara, they considered it the most isolated tree in the world, because there was nothing 400 kilometers around, so it became a reason for posters and even tattoos, it was the last survivor of forests of the ancient time. His remains rest in the capital of Niger.
Learn much more about the Acacia Tree by watching the following video.
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