Acacia - Plant Encyclopedia Results (Page 3)

A vigorous growing tree with silvery, blade-like leaves. Has a rapid growth pattern. In early spring and sometimes again in the fall, the trees are covered in puffy yellow flowers. Easy in full sun and free-draining soil. Drought tolerant.

Pale yellow flowers in short spikes.

Grows well in dry climates. Water occasionally, will tolerate mild droughts. Grows well in most soil types and will stand salt spray.

Calliandra brevipes (Pink Powderpuff) is an eye-catching shrub that is native to Brazil, Uruguay, and northern Argentina. It is a robust deciduous shrub that is capable of growing to a height of 10-20 ft (3-6 m). This vibrant, medium to large-sized shrub has finely divided leaves and clusters of beautiful red powder-puff flowers. The petals are inconspicuous, yet the long, pink filaments of the stamens form delicate, pink balls, giving it a gorgeous fluffy pink appearance when it is in full bloom during the summer months.

Calliandra brevipes can be grown in both full sun and semi-shade. Its soil should be kept moist yet well-drained, and it requires moderate amounts of water. Moreover, the plant is a great way to attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial insects.

This shrub is not just attractive; it is also hardy and capable of withstanding temperatures of at least 30°F for a short duration of time, making it suitable for cultivation in USDA Zone 9-11. Furthermore, Calliandra brevipes has a delightful and delicate appearance, making it a popular choice for bonsai.

One can easily grow Calliandra brevipes in a pot or container. To successfully do so, find a container that is big enough to accommodate growth and provide the plant with the necessary amount of soil and water. Place the pot in a spot that receives ample sunlight and ensure that the soil is kept moist yet well-drained. Furthermore, if you live in a cold region, it is recommended to bring the pot indoors during winter months or protect it from extremely low temperatures.

Naturalized northward to southern Texas, California and southern Florida, and southward to Brazil and Chile: also naturalized in Hawaii and the Old World tropics. Leucaena leucocephala is spreading naturally and has been reported as a weed in more then 20 countries across all continents except Europe and Antarctica. It is a weed of open, often coastal or riverine habitats, semi-natural, and other disturbed or ruderal sites and occasionally in agricultural land. Arborescent deciduous small tree or shrub, to 67Ft tall, fast-growing; trunk 4" to 5" in diam. Forming dense stands; where crowded, slender trunks are formed with short bushy tuft at crown, spreading if singly grown; leaves evergreen, alternate, bipinnate with 3-10 pairs of pinnae; flowers numerous, axillary on long stalks, white, in dense global heads 1" across. Fruit pod with raised border, flat, thin, becoming dark brown and hard. It is used as a shade plant in coffee, rubber, cacao and cinchona plantations, for reforestation, windbreaks and firebreaks. Necklaces are made with the seeds. Leadtree is valued as an excellent protein source for cattle fodder, consumed browsed or harvested, mature or immature, green or dry. The nutritive value is equal to or superior to alfalfa. Leadtree has gained a favorable reputation in land reclamation, erosion control, water conservation, reforestation and soil improvement programs, and is a good cover and green manure crop. The leaves, used as a mulch around other crops, are said to significantly increase their yields. Indigenous people in Mexico and Central America, use it as a vegetable. Unripe seeds are consumed with gusto and added to salsa. Green seeds are also consumed raw in Thailand and Indonesia. It tolerates a wide range of rainfall from 500 - 3500 mm and withstands strongly seasonal (6-8 month dry season) climates. However, it is not frost hardy and grows poorly, setting less seed in cooler tropical highland sites. The species also grows poorly on the acid soils with high Aluminium saturation that prevail in many humid tropical areas. In broad terms, it thus adapts well to a wide range of tropical and subtropical environments, especially seasonally dry tropical areas. Trees, propagated by seed or cuttings coppice well. Some seedlings less than one-year old will produce viable seed. Seeds remain viable from several months to several years. The hard waxy seedcoat makes scarification necessary before planting.The easiest and most common method is to scald seed in boiling or near boiling water. Boiling water is poured directly over the seed and allowed to cool to room temperature (preferably overnight), followed by sowing. Alternatively, small numbers of seed may be scarified by nicking which involves the use of a knife or secateur to clip off a small portion of the seed coat at the end opposite the pod attachment scar (hilum). The resultant minor damage to the underlying cotyledons is inconsequential to the germinating seedlings. For forage, seed should be sown 2" to 5" deep, planting at onset of wet season. Leadtree responds favorably to fertilizer and lime. Irrigation and cultivation may be necessary. The crop soon produces a dense stand.

This tree is a popular nesting site for several native songbirds. Lysiloma latisiliquum, also known as Bahamas Lysiloma, is a native of Central America. It is a fast-growing, deciduous tree or shrub species which typically varies in size from a small tree, growing 10-20 ft tall, to a larger one of 20 ft or more. It is also salt tolerant and can be grown at seaside locations.

The tree develops off-white or white flowers in spring and summer. It has an open crown with drooping branches. Lysiloma latisiliquum prefers full sun to partial shade and requires moderate water, though it is fairly drought tolerant when established.

In order to enjoy the best results, it is important to grow Lysiloma latisiliquum in well-drained soils in USDA Zone 9-11. Plant maintenance includes removing competing vegetation and providing water during the dry season. Proper mulching also helps to keep the soil moist and provides nutrients. In colder climates, this plant should be grown in deep pots, repotted annually and moved indoors during winter.

This is a very attractive and popular species that will add a special flair to any landscape. In addition to providing extraordinary beauty, Lysiloma latisiliquum is also a great choice for attracting birds to your garden.

Evergreen tree, semi deciduous in the coldest part of its range, growing very slowly up to 30 feet tall (6 m), 30 feet wide (6 m); stems with zigzag jointing.

Drought tolerant; faster growth with irrigation, best with 1-2 deep irrigations per month. On the other hand, if it is used as a bonsai in a small pot frequent irrigation will be necessary.

Vachellia farnesiana, also known as the Yellow Mimosa, is a beautiful large shrub or small tree native to Tropical America. It reaches a height of 5-10 ft when grown as a shrub, and 10-20 when grown as a small tree. Vachellia farnesiana grows best in full sun to semi-shade areas with moderate water. This plant is a favorite of butterflies and hummingbirds due to its vibrant, yellow and orange flowers that are also sweetly fragrant. The puffs of yellow flowers give Vachellia farnesiana a beautiful look, while they also make it an ideal accent or specimen plant.

This plant can be grown in a pot in cold regions if kept like houseplants, as it is hardy in USDA Zone 8-11. It is a surprisingly tough plant and can withstand even quite cold temperatures for short periods of time, being mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F. It is also pretty salt tolerant, making it a great option for seaside locations.

When growing Vachellia farnesiana, the soil should be well-drained and should be fertilized regularly. This bushy shrub can reach a height of 5-10 ft when grown as a shrub, and 10-20 ft when grown as a small tree. Pruning regularly and training it while young would be beneficial as it will help produce more flowers. When grown as a shrub, it should be pruned heavily at around 3-4 ft to promote branching and flowering.

To ensure a healthy plant, water it regularly and do not let it dry out too much. Mulching is also important to protect the plant from extreme temperatures and to prevent water evaporation from the soil. It is also essential to watch out for pests and weeds, and to be mindful of the quantity of water and fertilizer that is used to prevent any burn or damage to the roots.

Vachellia karroo, commonly known as Sweet Thorn, is a small tree that grows 10-20 feet tall and wide. It requires full sun to partial shade exposure, and moderate water. The thick green foliage is adorned with yellow and orange flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds to the garden. Additionally, the thorns or spines make it desirable for providing a boundary and a safe haven for birds.

It is integrally part of Africa's history having been used for everything from raft-making to sewing needles and fencing for the houses of the royal Zulu women. The thorns were even used by early naturalists to pin the insects they collected. The Sweet Thorn tree also offers ethnomedical use. The bark is used in tanning and rope making, while the root is used in traditional medicine. Growing in USDA Zone: 9-10, the mature plant can be cold hardy to at least 30s F for a short time, which makes the tree well suited for cold weather climates.

When it comes to growing and caring for Sweet Thorn, the soil should consist of medium to water-retentive soil and well-drained soil. The tree tends to perform better when mulch is added, so it is advisable to mulch around the roots to help the tree retain moisture. During periods of drought, the tree can react badly and should be watered routinely to maintain its health. For those living in cold climates, caring for Sweet Thorn in a pot is perfectly suitable. It is important to place the pot in a location that is particularly sheltered and well-insulated.

Overall, Sweet Thorn is an exquisitely beautiful and highly versatile tree that adds beauty and medicinal value to any garden.

Vachellia sieberiana, commonly known as Paperbark Thorn, is a small tree native to the regions of South Africa. It grows in full sun and can tolerate moderate amounts of water, though it typically prefers dry conditions. Vachellia sieberiana is a cold tolerant species, thriving best in USDA zones 9-11 if grown in a pot.

This attractive tree can reach about 10 -20 ft in height and produces small yellow or orange flowers in autumn and spring. It has numerous ethnomedical and spiritually important uses, including being used to attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other birds.

Vachellia sieberiana is easy to take care of and maintain, requiring little water, since it's a drought-tolerant species. It prefers light, well-drained soils, with plenty of mulch to keep the root zone cool and moist in hot weather. In areas that experience frost in the winter, it is important to protect young plants, as they may not be cold hardy until after two or three years of growth. A layer of mulch can provide cold protection.

Although Vachellia sieberiana can tolerate low water levels, it will only reach its fullest growth potential with regular waterings during dry periods. If grown in a pot in cold regions, ensure that you bring the plant inside before temperatures drop and provide a sunny spot indoors. A quality fertilizer suitable for woody plants should be applied at the start of the growing season, and again after flowering, to promote abundant blooms and lush foliage.