Acacia salicina: Find out about this highly toxic shrub

The salicina acacia is also known as native willow, or also as weeping willow. However, we are dealing with the kind of salicina acacia. So we will see some interesting aspects of this plant.salicina acacia

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

taxonomy

acacia salicina tree

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

So, the salicina acacia belongs to the fabaceae family, of the mimosoideae subfamily, and therefore, of the acacieae tribe. The genus to which it belongs is that of acacias. As we can see, it is part of a large number of acacia species found around the world, such as the Senegal acacia. This is how botanists classify this interesting plant.

Description of the salicina acacia

Depending on the size, it can be considered a tree or a shrub. The height of the salicina acacia It ranges from three to eight meters in height. Its bark is generally smooth, without many cracks. Also, the color is dark brown.

It has compressed branches of almost cylindrical shapes. In addition, the phyllodes are pendulous and of diverse variety, since they can also be linear, flat and a little thick. They measure between four and twelve centimeters long and about fifteen acacia salicina characteristicsmillimeters wide.

The flowers are, on the other hand, yellow or orange in color. The seeds are shiny, and are not large. These are protected in the pods, which are the fruits produced by the plant.

These seeds are found in groups ranging from two to twelve seeds per bunch, so to speak. In addition, they are brown in color and their shape is ellipse. As you can see, the salicina acacia has many similarities with other acacia species. For this reason it is important to know them well and know how to differentiate them, since some can be extremely toxic, and for this reason, their seeds are not edible at all, although they have various uses.

location and habitat

This tree is native to Australia. It can be found in desert or semi-desert places. There are those who prefer to use this type of acacia as an ornamental plant. It must also be taken into account that it is easy to grow.acacia salicina flower

This is because it does not need as much watering. The reason is that, since it is used to living in desert and barren places, it does not require a large amount of water, so it does not need to be watered constantly, as perhaps happens with other plants. In addition to Australia, it is possible to find this interesting tree in other parts of the world that present the necessary conditions for its subsistence.

On the other hand, it must be taken into account that the salicina acacia does not withstand winters very well, at least not harsh winters. For this reason, they may not even flower or even die off during this season. Of course, this factor depends on the region.

Toxicity

It is a plant that must be taken very carefully in terms of its consumption. Unlike others, which are used for various treatments, in this case great caution should be exercised when attempting to consume any part of this tree.

However, Australian Aborigines use part of the tree for consumption; Like the leaves, for example. They burn them, and use the ashes to smoke them. In this way, they can reach a trance state where, they say, they can make contact with their gods.acacia salicin leaves

This is because it contains psychoactive elements that could cause addiction and are stimulants. In fact, at the pharmacological level it is used to combat various ailments. In addition, in the case of the aborigines, they also use the bark as a toxin for fishing. That’s how effective this toxin is.

Usos

This plant has various uses. One of them is that the seeds are used for food. It can also be used as fodder for animals and livestock.

Wood is also very useful for building furniture and handicrafts. In this sense, the salicina acacia wood It is highly appreciated among craftsmen and carpenters.

Acacia salicina: Find out about this highly toxic shrub

Leave a Reply

Scroll to top

Discover more from DIY Gardens

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading