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Description
Vachellia Schaffneri, also known as Schaffner’s Acacia, is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae. It is native to Mexico and Central America, specifically in the states of Baja California, Sonora, Sinaloa, Durango, Zacatecas, San Luis Potosi, Hidalgo, Puebla, Veracruz, and Oaxaca.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Vachellia |
| Species | Schaffneri |
Appearance
Vachellia Schaffneri is a small tree or shrub that can grow up to 5 meters in height. It has a grayish-brown bark that is rough and deeply furrowed. The leaves are bipinnate and measure about 10-20 cm in length, with 12-30 pairs of pinnae, each containing 15-30 pairs of leaflets. The leaflets are oblong or elliptic in shape, measuring about 5-12 mm in length and 1.5-4 mm in width. The flowers are small, yellow, and arranged in axillary spikes that are about 3-8 cm in length. The fruit is a flat, brown pod that is about 10-18 cm in length and 1.5-2 cm in width, containing several seeds.
Care Guide
Vachellia Schaffneri is a hardy plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips to keep it healthy:
- Water: Water the plant deeply once a week, or more frequently during hot and dry weather.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral.
- Sunlight: The plant thrives in full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Vachellia Schaffneri is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Vachellia Schaffneri is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to the following:
- Spider Mites: These tiny pests may infest the plant, causing yellowing and wilting of the leaves.
- Scale Insects: These pests may attach themselves to the stems and leaves of the plant, causing yellowing and distortion of the leaves.
- Root Rot: Overwatering or poorly drained soil may cause root rot, which can be fatal to the plant.
Habitat
Vachellia Schaffneri is commonly found in arid and semi-arid habitats, including deserts, grasslands, and scrublands. It grows well in well-drained soil and can tolerate drought and high temperatures. The plant is also commonly used for erosion control and reforestation.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Vachellia Schaffneri poisonous?
A: No, Vachellia Schaffneri is not poisonous.
Q: Can Vachellia Schaffneri grow indoors?
A: No, Vachellia Schaffneri is not suitable for indoor growing.
Q: What is the best time to prune Vachellia Schaffneri?
A: The best time to prune Vachellia Schaffneri is in late winter or early spring, before new growth appears.
Q: How long does it take for Vachellia Schaffneri to grow from seed?
A: Vachellia Schaffneri may take up to 2 years to grow from seed.
Related Plants
- Vachellia constricta
- Vachellia farnesiana
- Vachellia rigidula
References
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vachellia_schaffneri
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/vachellia-schaffneri
- https://www.thespruce.com/vachellia-schaffneri-3269665
