3. ACACIA PLANT
Seed pods of Acacia cyclops (A. cyclopis) showing the bright
red attachment stalk coiled around each seed. The enlarged
photo insert (red arrow) shows a seed with the attachment stalk
uncoiled. A brightly colored stalk presumably aids in seed
dispersal by birds. The hard black seeds pass through the bird's
digestive system unharmed and are dispersed to new locations.
This Australian shrub is naturalized in coastal dunes of
California and is commonly planted along highways. Recent
research indicates that the attachment stalks of a related species
(A. verticillata) are actually lipid-rich structures called
elaiosomes. The seeds are carried by ants to their nest where the
elaiosomes are eaten and the seeds are discarded.
Seed pods of Acacia cyclops (A. cyclopis) showing the bright
red attachment stalk coiled around each seed. The enlarged
photo insert (red arrow) shows a seed with the attachment stalk
uncoiled. A brightly colored stalk presumably aids in seed
dispersal by birds. The hard black seeds pass through the bird's
digestive system unharmed and are dispersed to new locations.
This Australian shrub is naturalized in coastal dunes of
California and is commonly planted along highways. Recent
research indicates that the attachment stalks of a related species
(A. verticillata) are actually lipid-rich structures called
elaiosomes. The seeds are carried by ants to their nest where the
elaiosomes are eaten and the seeds are discarded.
4. Seed Dispersal By Ants
Seed pods of Acacia cyclops (A. cyclopis) showing the bright red attachment stalk
coiled around each seed. The enlarged photo insert (red arrow) shows a seed with
the attachment stalk uncoiled. A brightly colored stalk presumably aids in seed
dispersal by birds. The hard black seeds pass through the bird’s digestive system
unharmed and are dispersed to new locations. This Australian shrub is naturalized
in coastal dunes of California and is commonly planted along highways. Recent
research indicates that the attachment stalks of a related species (A. verticillata)
are actually lipid-rich structures called elaiosomes. The seeds are carried by ants to
their nest where the elaiosomes are eaten and the seeds are discarded.
5. Original Genus Acacia Split Into Six
Genera
Senegalia greggii) genus Senegalia differ from Acacia by the presence of
prickles and the absence of phyllodes. A naturalized acacia in San Diego
County called “sweet acacia” (A. farnesiana var. farnesiana) has been placed
in the genus Vachellia. Members of the genus Senegalia can be distinguished
from Vachellia by the absence of stipular spines and the presence of
prickles. The origin of stipular spines vs. prickles is quite different, and
molecular taxonomists have concluded that the separation of these species
into separate groups is warranted. Some of the Acacia species mentioned in
this article are now placed in separate genera.
Senegalia greggii
6. Faidherbia albida
Faidherbia albida (formerly Acacia albida), commonly called winter thorn or
apple-ring acacia. Although it has paired stipular spines and pinnate leaves like
Acacia species, it is morpholically quite different. Monophyletic cladograms show
that it is distinct from Acacia and belongs on a separate monotypic branch
(clade). The circular, indehiscent seed pods resemble apple rings.
7. Acacia saligna
Acacia saligna (willow acacia) native to Australia. This is a phyllode-leaf
species that retains the genus Acacia.
9. Vachellia farnesiana
Vachellia farnesiana (formerly Acacia farnesiana). Called "sweet acacia" the
flowers are very fragrant. This species is naturalized in San Diego County.
10. Vachellia drepanolobium
Vachellia drepanolobium (formerly acacia drepanolobium). This is the
famous “whistling thorn” of kenya. It has bulbous thorns (paired stipular
spines) occupied by stinging ants of the genus crematogaster. Like the
central american acacias, the ants hollow out the soft green thorns for
living quarters. Giraffes and other herbivores normally eat thorny acacia
foliage, but leave the whistling thorn alone. In fact, for most south
african acacias, spines alone are no deterrent to giraffes. They simply
reach high into the branches and carefully wrap their long prehensile
tongue around the tender foliage, carefully avoiding the vicious spines.
Old thorns which have been vacated by the ants make a whistling sound
as wind blows across the entrance hole. See more information below.
11. 7 Uses for Acacia
What is acacia? Acacia has been used in medicines, baking ingredients,
tools, and woodwork for centuries. …
Relieves pain and irritation. …
Helps wound healing. …
Promotes oral health. …
Good source of fiber. …
Reduces body fat. …
Soothes coughs and sore throats. …
Restricts blood loss.
12. Gum arabic
The frozen juice bar and candies in above photo contain a thickening agent called gum
arabic (gum acacia) from the sap of Acacia senegal or a related African species. The
ice cream contains two similar natural gums, including carrageenan from a red alga
called Irish moss (Chondrus crispus) and Guar gum from the powdered seeds
of Cyamopsis tetragonolobus, a herbaceous perennial from Africa.
