Background: The Acacia tree belongs to the Leguminosae family which also includes Powder Puff, the Brazilian Rain Tree and Tamarind among others. There are over 1000 species of Acacia trees and shrubs found mostly in sub-tropical and tropical areas, most commonly Australia and Africa. Australian species do not do as well in high humidity climates. When seen in nature at maturity, the Acacia has few if any lower branches and a spreading crown.
Features: Most Acacias have yellow flowers, but a few have almost white flowers. Some flowers form tight balls and others resemble the Powder puff. Most develop seed pods.
Sweet Acacia is a thorny plant with delicate compound leaves, colorful yellow flowers and brown fruit pods.
Thornless Acacia (Tamarindillo) has long, thich, pinnate, dark green leaflets. It is native to the Florida Keys, Bahamas and Cuba. It makes a beautiful tree that resembles the Tamarind. It is hardy only in zones 10-11.
Bullhorn is distinctive because of the large, impressive thorns. These swollen thorns also have a symbiotic relationship with ants. The trees provide nectar to the ants, and the ants protect the tree from invasive plants and pests. The ants also reside in the thorns which become hollow with age. This species is native to South Africa and Central America.
