Acacia seyal: Learn intriguing facts about this tree
Acacia seyal is a species of acacia that lives in the tropical zone of Africa and has a variety of uses. Its history is also intriguing because its operate was very wide. It is a plant belonging to the legume family, and therefore to the mimosa subfamily. The acacia tribe belongs to this family, from which the genus acacia comes.
In this sense, Acacia seyal is related, so to speak, to Acacia acuminata. For this reason, they share common characteristics, such as the way the leaves are arranged or their size. But let’s take a closer look and get to know Acacia seyal better.
Description of Acacia Seyal
Acacia seyal is a fairly compact tree. Its height can be as much as eighteen meters. In the case of the trunk, the diameter is from thirty to forty centimeters. As for this one, it is usually twisted. The top of the tree has an intriguing shape, because it resembles an umbrella. It also shares this feature with the African acacia.
As for the bark of the tree, it is reddish. The branches, however, usually appear at a height almost near the base of the trunk. The leaves are bipinnate, growing on slender branches; that is, the leaves are paired on either side of the leaf stalk. For this reason, it is not pointed, like the leaves of many species. On each stalk grow two or three pairs of leaves.
They also usually have a pair of straight and chunky thorns that can be up to four centimeters long. Another feature of the seyal acacia is that these thorns are usually piercing, so you should be careful when approaching the tree.
In the case of the flowers they produce, they are usually compact and yellow. The flowers give off a pleasant smell and for this reason are often used to create perfumes. On the other hand, the fruits they produce are legumes that are eight to twelve centimeters long and one centimeter wide.
Habitat and location
This plant is very common in the dry regions of Africa. In this sense, it can be found very often in countries such as Egypt, as well as Kenya and Sudan, and even in Senegal. It is also common in the moist valleys of some regions of the Sahara.
In this sense, it can live without the need for vast amounts of water. In addition, it can grow both alone and in groups, although at a distance from each other. This plant grows by seeds in suitable regions.
Although it has been introduced to other regions, especially as an ornamental tree, the truth is that it needs a toasty climate to survive. Otherwise, it can wither and die in climates that are too frigid or too moist.
For this reason, if the plant is to be used as an ornamental plant, it is best to ensure that the climate or region in which it is located is toasty, and not to water it too often so as not to flood it.
Properties and applications
There are several properties To install acacia seyal. So let’s take a look at some of the benefits this tree offers and thus learn more about the usefulness of this intriguing plant.
It is a wood that is usually resistant, although it needs some additional chemicals to prevent damage from pests such as termites. For this reason, because it is also bulky, it is also used to build some instruments and others.
For example, in old Egypt its wood was used to build coffins; but in addition it was also used to build more sophisticated structures, such as delicate boats, ladders, some agricultural implements, poles; and of course it was also used, and is used, as firewood. In fact, the story goes that the Ark of the Covenant of the Hebrews was built of this wood.
In addition to its practical operate, Acacia seyal also has a medicinal operate. Thus, different parts of the tree are used to treat different types of diseases. The bark, for example, is used to treat dysentery, as well as skin infections, including leprosy.
In the case of the gum it produces, it is used to stop diarrhea as well as intestinal problems. And the flower is also used as an expectorant.