Vachellia Pennatula

Description

Vachellia Pennatula, commonly known as feather-leaved acacia, is a type of tree native to the Americas. It belongs to the Fabaceae family and is characterized by its unique appearance and habitat. The tree can grow up to 30 feet tall and 20 feet wide, producing feathery leaves that are green and yellow in color. Its flowers are small, yellow, and fragrant, blooming in clusters from February to April. The fruits of the tree are elongated pods that contain seeds.

Taxonomic Information

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

Appearance

The feather-leaved acacia has a unique appearance due to its feathery leaves and elongated pods. The leaves are bipinnate and measure about 2 inches in length, with 6 to 10 pairs of pinnae. Each pinna has 20 to 30 pairs of small leaflets that give the tree a feathery appearance. The pods of the tree are about 4 to 8 inches long and 0.3 to 0.5 inches wide, with a brownish color when mature. The tree also produces small yellow flowers that bloom in clusters, giving off a fragrant scent.

Care Guide

The feather-leaved acacia requires moderate care to thrive. It prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic, with a pH level of 6.0 to 7.5. The tree should be watered regularly, especially during the growing season, but avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot. Fertilize the tree every spring with a balanced fertilizer to promote growth. The tree prefers full sunlight but can also tolerate partial shade. It is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11 and can tolerate temperatures as low as 25°F.

Common Pests & Diseases

The feather-leaved acacia is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can sometimes be affected by spider mites, which can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The tree can also be affected by root rot if overwatered, so it is important to maintain proper drainage. Leaf spots and powdery mildew can also occur, which can be treated with fungicides.

Habitat

The feather-leaved acacia is native to the Americas and can be found in Mexico, Central America, and South America. It prefers dry, open areas such as savannas, grasslands, and deserts. The tree is also commonly found in disturbed areas such as roadsides and abandoned fields.

Question and Answer

Q: Can the feather-leaved acacia tolerate drought?
A: Yes, the tree is drought-tolerant once established.

Q: How often should I fertilize the feather-leaved acacia?
A: Fertilize the tree every spring with a balanced fertilizer.

Q: Is the feather-leaved acacia toxic to pets?
A: The tree is not known to be toxic to pets.

Q: Can the feather-leaved acacia be grown in a container?
A: Yes, the tree can be grown in a container but may require more frequent watering and fertilization.

Related Plants

• Vachellia farnesiana
• Vachellia tortilis
• Vachellia rigidula
• Vachellia constricta

References

• “Vachellia Pennatula (Feather-Leaf Acacia).” The Spruce, 14 Feb. 2021, www.thespruce.com/vachellia-pennatula-3269351.
• “Vachellia Pennatula.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science, http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:47528-2.
• “Vachellia Pennatula.” World Agroforestry, https://www.worldagroforestry.org/treedb2/speciesprofile.php?Spid=1780.