Welcome, Lykkers! When we think of Africa, a classic image often comes to mind - a huge umbrella-shaped tree standing quietly in the endless golden grassland. This tree is the Acacia tree, which is not only an iconic landscape of East and Southern Africa, but also a symbol of the natural wonder of this continent.

Especially in Ethiopia, acacia can be seen everywhere, adding a different kind of scenery to the vast land. Today, let's explore this amazing tree together!

The Acacia tree, Symbol of Immortality

video by 9 World Chronicles

What is the Acacia Tree?

The scientific name of the Acacia tree is Acacia farnesiana, also known as the duck soap tree or the message tree. It is a shrub or small tree with rough brown bark and zigzag branches with small thorns. Its pinnate leaves are dense and light and soft overall. From March to June every year, the Acacia tree blooms clusters of small yellow fragrant flowers, and from July to November, its seed pods mature, dark brown and slightly curved. Despite its slender and elegant appearance, this tree is very drought- and heat-tolerant and extremely tenacious.

Where does acacia grow?

Acacia prefers sunny, warm and humid environments and can tolerate drought. It is suitable for planting in well-drained, slightly acidic soils rich in organic matter. Although native to Australia, it is now widely distributed in many parts of the world, including Zhejiang, Taiwan, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Yunnan and Sichuan in China. It can survive tenaciously even in cold environments, as long as the winter temperature is not lower than 4°C and watering is reduced to maintain growth.

What is the value of this tree?

Economic value

Acacia is not just a tree, but also a natural treasure trove of resources. Its flowers are rich in fragrance and can be used to extract essences and make high-end perfumes and cosmetics. Its wood is hard and suitable for making high-end furniture and handicrafts. Its seed pods are rich in tannins and can be used as natural black dyes. In addition, the gum it secretes is widely used in many fields such as pharmaceuticals, printing, and food industries, and its economic value is extremely high.

Environmental value

Every part of acacia can be fully utilized. The bark is rich in tannins, the gum can be used as an adhesive, the wood is used in furniture and construction, the branches can be used as fuel, and the leaves can be used as animal feed. More importantly, its deep root system helps prevent soil erosion and is an important tree species for many ecological restoration projects. In addition, it can provide habitats for insects and birds and enhance local biodiversity.

How to reproduce acacia?

Acacia can be propagated in various ways, including sowing, cuttings, layering, and grafting. However, traditional cuttings and grafting are greatly affected by the season and have a low survival rate. In order to promote acacia trees more efficiently, China's agricultural research team is developing new rapid propagation technology suitable for large-scale commercial planting. This technology has been successful in nearly a thousand economic plants, and can be propagated all year round, whether in the south or the north, which is expected to greatly improve the efficiency of acacia planting.

Final Thoughts,

Acacia trees are not only a stunning feature of Africa's landscape, but they also represent a remarkable species with immense value. They serve vital roles in medicine, the economy, and ecological protection. Whether as a medicinal plant, a valuable economic resource, or an ecological guardian, the significance of this tree cannot be overstated.

Next time you encounter one of these magnificent trees, take a moment to admire its beauty and reflect on the many ways it benefits our world. What are your thoughts on the acacia tree? Feel free to share your opinions and join the conversation!