V

Vachellia Campeachiana

Vachellia Campeachiana

Description

Vachellia Campeachiana, commonly known as Campeche or Jamaican Fever Tree, is a small to medium-sized tree that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to the Caribbean and Central America but is now widely distributed in tropical regions around the world. The tree is widely known for its valuable wood and medicinal properties. It has a maximum height of 15 meters and a trunk diameter of 30 to 50 cm. The leaves are bipinnate and have a feather-like appearance. The flowers are small and yellow, arranged in spherical heads. The fruit is a pod-like structure that is green when young and turns brown as it matures. The tree has a short lifespan of up to 20 years.

Taxonomic Information

Domain Eukarya
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Spermatophyta
Class Magnoliopsida
Order Fabales
Family Fabaceae
Genus Vachellia

Appearance

The Vachellia Campeachiana tree has a striking appearance, with a dense, wide-spreading canopy that provides ample shade. The bark is smooth, gray, and has a greenish tinge when young. As the tree ages, the bark turns darker and develops deep furrows. The leaves are bipinnate, 7-20 cm long, with 3-8 pairs of pinnae, each bearing up to 30 pairs of leaflets. The leaflets are oblong and about 5 mm long. The flowers are small, yellow, and fragrant, and grow in spherical clusters. The fruit is a flat, dark brown pod, 10-20 cm long and 2-3 cm wide, with several seeds embedded in it.

Care Guide

Vachellia Campeachiana is a hardy tree that requires minimal care once established. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure. Here are some care tips:

  • Water: Water regularly, especially during the first year after planting. Afterward, the tree can tolerate some drought but will benefit from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells.
  • Fertilization: Fertilize the tree once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10.
  • Soil: The tree prefers well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5.
  • Sunlight: Vachellia Campeachiana prefers full sun exposure but can tolerate partial shade.
  • Hardiness Zones: The tree is hardy in USDA zones 10-11.

Common Pests & Diseases

Vachellia Campeachiana is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by the following:

  • Spider Mites: These tiny insects can cause yellowing and curling of the leaves. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control them.
  • Caterpillars: These insects can defoliate the tree. Use Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) to control them.
  • Root Rot: This fungal disease can cause the roots to rot and the tree to wilt. Improve drainage and avoid overwatering to prevent it.

Habitat

Vachellia Campeachiana is native to the Caribbean and Central America but is now widely distributed in tropical regions around the world. The tree prefers well-drained soils and full sun exposure. It can be found in a variety of habitats, including coastal areas, savannas, and forests. It is a valuable source of wood and has medicinal properties.

Question and Answer

Q: What is the lifespan of Vachellia Campeachiana?
A: The tree has a short lifespan of up to 20 years.

Q: What is the hardiness zone for Vachellia Campeachiana?
A: The tree is hardy in USDA zones 10-11.

Q: What are the common pests that affect Vachellia Campeachiana?
A: Spider mites and caterpillars are common pests that can affect the tree.

Q: What are the medicinal properties of Vachellia Campeachiana?
A: The tree has been traditionally used to treat fevers, headaches, and respiratory disorders.

Related Plants

  • Vachellia farnesiana
  • Vachellia karroo
  • Vachellia nilotica
  • Vachellia tortilis

References

  • “Vachellia campeachiana.” Useful Tropical Plants, https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Vachellia+campeachiana. Accessed 12 May 2021.
  • “Vachellia Campeachiana.” Missouri Botanical Garden, http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287357. Accessed 12 May 2021.
  • “Vachellia campeachiana.” Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vachellia_campeachiana. Accessed 12 May 2021.

Related Articles

Back to top button
close