Happy Urban Dirt

Salicina acacia is also known as the native willow or weeping willow. However, we are dealing with a genus acacia salicin. So let’s take a look at some fascinating aspects of this plant.

However, something that defines Acacia salicina is its high toxicity. We will see how this affects those who consume some parts of this tree. On the other hand, although it can be found in different regions of the world, Acacia salicina is native to Australia. For this reason, we will learn a little more about the cultivation and growth of this plant.

Taxonomy

First, we must start with the taxonomic classification that is made for this plant. We are dealing with a species of acacia, which is related, for example, to the acacia versicolor, which also has a high level of toxicity.

So, Acacia salicina belongs to the family Fabaceae, subfamily Mimosoideae, and therefore tribe Acaciae. The genus to which it belongs is Acacias. As you can see, it is part of a vast number of Acacia species found around the world, such as Acacia senegal. This is how botanists classify this fascinating plant.

Description of salicina acacia

Depending on size, they can be considered a tree or a shrub. height of acacia salicina It reaches from three to eight meters in height. Its bark is usually glossy, without many cracks. In addition, the color is obscure brown.

It has compressed branches with almost cylindrical shapes. In addition, the leaves are pendulous and diverse, as they can also be linear, flat and somewhat hefty. They measure from four to twelve centimeters long and about fifteen millimeters wide.

The flowers are yellow or orange. The seeds are shiny and not vast. They are protected in pods, which are fruits produced by the plant.

These seeds come in groups of two to twelve seeds per bunch, so to speak. In addition, they are brown in color and elliptical in shape. As you can see, Acacia salicina has many similarities to other species of Acacia. For this reason, it is significant to know them well and know how to distinguish them, because some can be extremely toxic, and for this reason their seeds are not edible at all, although they have different uses.

location and habitat

This tree is native to Australia. It can be found in deserts or semi-deserts. There are those who prefer to apply this type of acacia as an ornamental plant. It should also be taken into account that it is uncomplicated to grow.

This is because it does not need as much watering. The reason is that since it is used to living in deserts and droughty places, it does not need a lot of water, so it does not need to be constantly watered, as may happen with other plants. Apart from Australia, you can find this fascinating tree in other parts of the world that provide it with the necessary conditions to survive.

On the other hand, it should be taken into account that the Acacia salicina does not tolerate winters very well, at least severe winters. For this reason, it may not even bloom or even die this season. Of course, this factor depends on the region.

Toxicity

This is a plant that needs to be treated with great caution when it comes to its consumption. Unlike others that are used for various treatments, in this case, you need to be extremely careful when trying to consume any part of this tree.

However, the Australian Aborigines apply part of the tree for food; for example, the leaves. They burn them and apply the ashes for smoking. In this way, they can achieve a state of trance in which, they say, they can make contact with their gods.

This is because it contains psychoactive elements that can cause addiction and are stimulants. In fact, on a pharmacological level, it is used to combat various ailments. In addition, in the case of the Aborigines, they also apply the bark as a toxin for catching fish. This is how effective this toxin is.

Usos

This plant has various uses. One of them is that the seeds are used as food. It can also be used as animal and cattle feed.

Wood is also very useful for furniture construction and handicrafts. In this sense acacia wood salicin It is highly valued among craftsmen and carpenters.