Fabaceae - Botanical Family

Acacia mangium grows up to 30m tall, often with a straight trunk.

Phyllodes lanceolate or ovate, conspicuously veined, light or dark green; flower-heads rod-like, white, sparse, on hairy peduncles about 1 cm long; pods long, slender, coiled or twisted and contorted. Its uses include environmental management and wood.

Acacia pendula, also known as Weeping Myall, is a small deciduous tree native to Australia. Growing 10-20 feet in height, it has a spreading form with weeping growth habit and grey-green foliage. Acacia pendula is an eye-catching tree for parks, gardens and backyards.

In autumn, Acacia pendula produces clusters of yellow to orange flowers giving a beautiful display in the garden. The flowers are followed by small brown seedpods which are ingested by birds and other wildlife.

It is best grown in full sun and will tolerate low watering. While established plants may be drought tolerant, Acacia pendula will benefit from moderate amounts of water during dry periods. In warm climates, it can be grown in a pot, making an attractive feature on a balcony or patio.

The Weeping Myall is frost hardy and handles cold temperatures to at least 30 degrees Fahrenheit for short periods of time. This small tree is suitable for USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9-11.

To ensure healthy growth, it is important to follow basic plant care and maintenance. Provide a deep watering every two weeks in dry conditions, and fertilize twice a year with a general purpose fertilizer. For container-grown Acacia pendula, use a potting mix enriched with an additional 10% soil conditioner or sand for improved drainage. When growing this tree in cold regions, provide extra protection by mulching over the roots in winter and cover with a cloth or tarp in extremely cold weather.

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.

Acacia redolens grows in full sun and is considered a large shrub, 5-10 ft tall. The yellow-orange flowers are an attraction for butterflies and hummingbirds. With proper care, plant can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11. For gardeners in cold regions, the trailing acacia can be grown in a pot and brought indoors in the winter. To keep it healthy through the winter months, Acacia redolens should be placed in a sunny window and watered regularly. With plenty of sun, proper water, and occasional fertilizer, Acacia redolens will thrive indoors.

The plant is native to Australia and can be planted in a variety of landscaping situations. Its interesting and attractive foliage, along with its ability to tolerate drought, flooding, and cold temperatures make it a worthy addition to any garden. For those looking for a low-growing shrub with attractive, orange and yellow flowers, this Acacia species is a great choice.

Grows to a height of more than 20 feet, making it a good choice for providing shade and background to many other plants. It is native to Eastern Australia, however, it has been successfully grown in many other regions that have USDA hardiness zones of 9 to 11. When grown outdoors it needs to be in full sun, however it can tolerate partial shade, making it a great choice for any garden.

Acacia saligna requires moderate watering; allowing the soil to dry out slightly before watering it again. The blooms are made of multiple, yellow to orange-colored flowers that bloom for an extended period. These flowers not only look beautiful, but also serve to attract many species of butterflies and hummingbirds to the garden.

In cold regions, where temperatures often drop below below freezing, Acacia saligna can be successfully grown in larger pots. Recommended potting soil for container-grown Golden Wattle should include a combination of peat moss, compost, and perlite or vermiculite. To ensure healthy growth, it is important to make sure that the soil is kept moist, but not soggy. During the winter months, it is recommended to position the pot in an area of the garden that will receive some protection from the elements. Also, remember to wrap the pot in bubble wrap or other insulating material to protect it from frost.

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.

It has a relatively wide range of soil tolerances, but appreciate a fertile, organic-rich soil with regular water, but can tolerate some drought. It is best grown in USDA Zones 9-11 and is quite adaptable to most soil types and climates. For gardens in cold regions, it can be grown in a large container, brought indoors or planted in a protected location in winter. In general, it will require very little care and should be free from pests and diseases. Prune as needed to shape or remove dead or damaged branches, otherwise it does not require regular pruning.

Acrocarpus fraxinifolius (Pink Cedar) is a big tree that can grow taller than 20 feet, but can also be pruned to create a small tree of up to 10-20 feet. It is native to South Asia, including countries such as Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, and Thailand. It thrives when planted in full sun and given regular water, and its soil requirements are relatively tolerant, but it enjoys being grown in a fertile, organic-rich soil. It is adorned with ornamental foliage in various shades from deep pink to a bright lime green, and in the early spring brings forth red, crimson, and vinous flowers in small racemes.

This plant is cold hardy up to a minimum of 28°F for short periods of time, so it can be grown in USDA Zones 9-11 with minimal care and protection from pests and diseases. Pruning should be done as needed only, to remove dead or damaged branches or to shape. For gardens in colder regions, it can be grown in a large container and brought indoors in winter, or planted in a sheltered location. In terms of plant care, it is important to water deeply and occasionally and to provide adequate protection from frost.

A medium-sized tree up to 15 m high, Adenanthera pavonina is native to India and Malaysia. It has been planted extensively throughout the tropics as an ornamental and has become naturalized in many countries.

The tiny flowers are said to smell vaguely like orange blossoms.

The slender flattened pods become twisted as they split open at maturity to release up to 12 brilliant red, lens - shaped, extremely hard seeds. The ripened pods stay on the tree for some time. The seeds are used in necklaces and ornaments, as beads in jewellery, leis and rosaries. They were also used in ancient India for weighing gold. The seeds are curiously similar in weight. Four seeds make up about one gramme. In fact the name "saga" is traced to the Arabic term for "goldsmith".

In Malaysia and Indonesia, the trees provide shade and planted as "nurse trees" in coffee, clove and rubber plantations.

Although the raw seeds are toxic, when cooked they are edible: are roasted, shelled and then eaten with rice in Java, Indonesia. In Melanesia and Polynesia people call it the "food tree". The seeds are said to taste like soy bean. The young leaves can be cooked and eaten, but usually only during famine.

The hard reddish wood of the red sandalwood tree is used for cabinet making. A red dye, obtained from the wood, is used by Brahmins to mark religious symbols on their foreheads. A red powder made from the wood is used as an antiseptic paste. In Ancient Indian medicine, the ground seeds are used to treat boils and inflammations. A decoction of the leaves is used to treat gout and rheumatism. The bark was used to wash hair.