Acacia Modesta
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Acacia
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Habitat:
Acacia is a genus of shrubs and trees belonging to the subfamily Mimosoideae of the family Fabaceae, first described in Africa by the Swedish botanist Carl
Linnaeus in 1773. Many non-Australian species
tend to be thorny, whereas the majority of Australian acacias are not. They are pod-bearing, with sap and leaves typically
bearing large amounts of tannins and condensed
tannins that historically in many species found
use as pharmaceuticals and preservatives. Acacias are also known as thorntrees, whistling thorns or wattles, including the yellow-fever acacia and umbrella acacias.
The genus Acacia previously
contained roughly 1300 species, about
960 of them native to Australia, with the remainder spread around the tropical
to warm-temperate regions
of both hemispheres, including Europe, Africa, southern Asia, and the Americas.
However, in 2005 the genus was divided into five separate genera. The name Acacia was
retained for the majority of the Australian species and a few in tropical Asia, Madagascar and Pacific Islands.
Economic Importance:
Food Uses:
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In Burma, Laos and Thailand, the feathery shoots of Acacia
pennata and are used in soups, curries, omelettes, and stir-fries.
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In Mexico the seeds are known as Guajes. Guajes or
huajes are the flat, green pods of an acacia tree. The pods are sometimes light
green or deep red in color—both taste the same. The
dried seeds may be toasted and salted and eaten as a snack referred to as cacalas.
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Acacia is listed as an ingredient in Sun Drop, Fresca, a citrus soft drink, RC Cola, Barq's root beer, Full
Throttle Unleaded Energy Drink,
Strawberry-Lemonade Powerade as well
as in Lakerolpastille candies, Altoids mints, Langer's Pineapple coconut Juice, Wrigley's Eclipse chewing gumand
M&Ms Pretzel.
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Honey labeled
under the term 'Acacia
Honey' is a type of honey produced by bees from a false acacia known as black locust in
North America
Gum:
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Various
species of acacia yield gum. True gum Arabic is the product of Acacia Senegal, abundant in
dry tropical West Africa from Senegal to northern Nigeria.
Medicinal Uses:
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Many Acacia species have important
uses in traditional medicine. Most of the uses have been shown to have a
scientific basis since chemical compounds found in the various species have
medicinal effects.
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In Ayurvedic
medicine, Acacia
nilotica is considered a remedy that is helpful
for treating premature
ejaculation.
Ornamental Plants:
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A few species are widely grown as ornamental
in gardens; the most
popular perhaps is Acacia dealbata (Silver
Wattle), with its attractive glaucous to silvery leaves and bright yellow flowers,
it is erroneously known as mimosa.
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Ornamental species of acacia are also used by
homeowners and landscape
architects for home security. The
sharp thorns of some species deter unauthorized persons from entering private
properties, and may prevent break-ins if planted under windows and near
drainpipes. The aesthetic characteristics of acacia plants, in conjunction with
their home security qualities, makes them a considerable alternative to artificial fences and walls.
Paints and Perfumes:
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The ancient Egyptians used Acacia in paints.
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Acacia as a fragrance dates back centuries.
Wood:
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Some Acacia species are valuable as timber, such as Acacia melanoxylon (Blackwood)
from Australia, which
attains a great size; its wood is used for furniture, and
takes a high polish; and Acacia
omalophylla (Myall
Wood, also Australian), which yields a fragrant timber used for ornaments.
Ecological Importnance:
For the
same reasons it is favored as an erosion-control plant, with its easy spreading
and resilience, some varieties of acacia, are potentially an invasive species.
One of the most globally significant invasive Acacias is Black Wattle Acacia mearnsii, which is taking over grasslands and
abandoned agricultural areas worldwide, especially in moderate coastal and
island regions where mild climate promotes its spread. Australian/New Zealand
Weed Risk Assessment gives it a "high risk, score of 15" rating and
it is considered one of the world's 100 most invasive species. Extensive
ecological studies should be performed before further introduction of acacia
varieties as this fast-growing Genus, once introduced, spreads fast and is
extremely difficult to eradicate.
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Desire for any house architects or interiors designers to perform their job. At times too much of things would mess up the looks and comfort level.
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