Fabaceae - Botanical Family

Vachellia sphaerocephala (Bulls-Horn Acacia) is a large, graceful, evergreen tree that is grown for its interesting and attractive silhouette, paired with its yellow and orange flowers. This plant is indigenous to southern Mexico and Central America, but has a wide growing range, as it can be found in warmer regions close to the equator and as far north as the USDA zone 9-11. The trees are known to get quite big, with mature trees reaching heights of more than 20 feet, however there are varieties which come in at 10-20 feet that can easily fit in to smaller spaces such as yards and gardens.

Vachellia sphaerocephala requires full sun and moderate water, while in terms of soils they are not very picky, but are great in well-drained soils. They are quite drought tolerant as well, once established. While the trees roots can be deep and spread far, so great care must be taken when planting near any structures or underground utility lines or pipes.

Vachellia sphaerocephala's main care requirement is that it requires pruning to make it stronger. The tree is known to have long, thorny or spiny stems, which may impale any passers by, particularly if planted near walkways. It is important to prune heavily to encourage this plant to develop a sturdy and strong frame making it much less likely to break in strong winds or stormy weather.

It is quite easy to grow Vachellia sphaerocephala in cold climates in a container or pot. Simply choose a pot with adequate drainage that is big enough to accommodate the size of the tree. Ensure the pot receives adequate sunlight and the plant is given proper hydration and fertilization throughout the growing season. In cold regions, it will require bringing the pot indoors when temperatures start to drop below freezing. This will stop the tree from suffering frost damage.

The Vachellia tortuosa or Twisted Acacia grows well in full sun in well-drained, moderately moist soils and exhibits strong drought-tolerance once establish. Its growth rate is slow to moderate, reaching a size of 5-10 ft tall as a shrub and up to 10-20 ft as a small tree. This handsome evergreen shrub or small tree makes an attractive specimen in the landscape. Numerous butterflies and hummingbirds will congregate around its fragrant yellow or orange flowers.

For regions in cold climates, the Twisted Acacia is best grown in the warmer days of spring and summer in a large container that can be easily moved indoors during the winter months. When planting in a pot, use a mix of soil-based potting compost and sand, and position the shrub in a bright spot with access to plenty of light. Water the pot in sparingly: let the soil dry out, then water thoroughly. Re-pot the plant every other year into a slightly larger pot. Apply liquid fertilizer in late winter or early spring to stimulate growth and flowering.

For further protection during cold winters, provide the Twisted Acacia with extra insulation by draping frost-like fabric over the container and adding a thick layer of mulch. Pruning is not necessary but can be done after flowering to shape and size the shrub. Generally, prune back approximately one-third of the new season's growth.

The fever tree is an attractive, semi-deciduous to deciduous tree approximately 15 to 25 meters tall and has an open, rounded to spreading or flattish crown which is sparsely foliated. The characteristic, almost luminous, lime green to greenish-yellow bark is smooth, slightly flaking, and coated in a yellow powdery substance. If the powdery surface is rubbed away with the finger it will reveal a green bark beneath. It has a slender to spreading, sparse, roundish crown of feathery foliage. The thorns are long, straight and paired.

This species occurs in groups in low-lying swampy areas. Because its range coincides with regions where malaria is prevalent, it is called "Fever Tree."

Viminaria juncea (Native Broom) is a unique and hardy plant native to Australia. The Large shrub is 5-10 ft tall and can tolerate a range of extreme conditions and soils. It grows quickly and is suitable for use in almost any garden, both in full sun and shade. While it prefers well-drained soil, it is capable of dealing with soils wet in winter and dry in summer. It is a truly versatile plant!

Viminaria juncea displays yellow and orange flowers throughout the Spring, and it is a great way to draw in both butterflies and hummingbirds. It is recommended to keep the soil moist and to water the plant regularly for optimum growth.

The plant can tolerate temperatures down to 9 to 11 in the USDA Zone, and is suited for regions with cold climates. When grown in pots in cold regions, it is best to make sure the pot is elevated off the ground to protect the roots from extreme temperatures. In addition, it is important to keep the pot well-drained in order to prevent standing water and root rot. Furthermore, giving the plant plenty of sunlight is key to healthy growth.

In conclusion, Viminaria juncea is a great plant choice for those looking for a hardy and beautiful addition to their garden. Its ability to withstand different climates and its fast-growing nature make it an ideal plant for any garden. Keep soil moist, water regularly, and enjoy the sight of bees and butterflies flocking to your garden!

Virgilia divaricata and V. oroboides

are very similar and are often confused with each other. V. divaricata has 5-9 pairs of leaflets plus a terminal one, whereas V. oroboides has 6-12 pairs of leaflets plus the terminal leaflet. The leaflets have entire margins and the stipules fall early. V. oroboides leaflets are smaller and greyish green in color and are densely covered in velvety hairs, whereas those of V. divaricata are green and almost hairless.

Virgilia oroboides is a beautiful tree, suitable for both the domestic garden and big landscapes. It is fast-growing, beautiful in flower and has an attractive growth form.

The flowers of both species are rich in nectar and attract many insects and birds, such as sunbirds, carpenter bees, honey bees and ants.

Wisteria frutescens are the smallest racemes produced by any Wisteria. It is considered shade tolerant, but will flower only when exposed to partial or full sun.

Wisteria 'Amethyst Falls' comes from a premium plant breeding program and as a result exhibits a less aggressive and slightly smaller Wisteria than others of the genus. Many bonsai artists employ American wisteria for its manageably-sized flowers, and it is charming as a woodland flowering vine.

Species: Wisteria sinensis, Wisteria floribunda, Wisteria frutescens, Wisteria macrostachya. Vigorous, showy, woody ornamental vines that can climb trees, apparently limited only by the height of the tree, and have been observed to reach 65 feet. Unlike American wisteria (Wisteria frutescens), which flowers June through August, exotic wisterias flower in the springtime (April-May) and produce a velvety seed pod. The fuzzy brown seed pods are 4-6 inches long, narrowed toward the base, with constrictions between the seeds. Stems of the exotic wisterias can grow to 15 inches in diameter in older plants. White-barked Japanese wisteria vines twine clockwise around the host plant and Chinese wisteria twines counter-clockwise. Fragrant, violet to blue-violet flowers, occur in showy, pendulous clusters that hang gracefully from the twining stems. Exotic wisterias are long-lived, some vines surviving 50 years or more.

This handsome tree from Vietnam is very conspicuous in the flowering season owing to its bright yellow flowers. X. xylocarpa produces hardwood, and in Vietnam it is classified as an ironwood with its name referring to use in traditional cart making. The seeds of this tree are edible. This tree is considered a medicinal plant in India.