Care of the tree Acacia tortilis or Umbrella Thorn acacia |
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The Acacia genus, of the Fabaceae family, includes some 1,200 species of shrubs and trees native to Australia, Africa, Asia and South America. Some species of the genus are: Acacia tortilis, Acacia hebeclada, Acacia truncata, Acacia tetragonophylla, Acacia saligna, Acacia paradoxa, Acacia melanoxylon, Acacia luederitzii, Acacia longifolia, Acacia karoo, Acacia iteaphylla, Acacia greggii, Acacia dodonaeifolia, Acacia dealbata, Acacia cultriformis, Acacia pendula. Common names: Umbrella Thorn acacia, Israeli babool. This species is native to Africa. It is a slow-growing deciduous tree with an umbrella-shaped crown that can reaches 15 meters (49.21 feet) in height. It has long, whitish thorns on the branches. The bipinnate alternate leaves have light green or greyish green leaflets. The small flowers, yellow or cream in color, appear in globose flower heads. It blooms in summer and sometimes also in winter. Umbrella Thorn acacia is used as shade trees in medium and large gardens and as bonsai. It is the typical tree of the African savannah. Acacia tortilis needs full sun exposure and a warm, dry climate. It resists light and occasional frosts. Israeli babool grows in any type of soil that has good drainage. Acacia tortilis is a very drought resistant plant that needs moderate watering waiting for the substrate to be completely dry. Umbrella Thorn acacia does not need fertilizer or pruning. It is a plant resistant to the usual pests and diseases. Israeli babool is propagated from seeds sown in spring or fall in the seedbed. |
Images of the tree Acacia tortilis or Umbrella Thorn acacia |
 Acacia tortilis |