FAMILY
Leguminosae

SPECIES
Acacia dealbata

DESCRIPTION
This evergreen shrub has blue-green to mid-green leaves, with fine, grey-white hairs and highly fragrant yellow inflorescences. Shrubs and trees in the genus Acacia are tolerant of dry conditions, where they help to restore fertility to the soil.

USES
Boiled young leaves, shoots, and seeds of Acacia are edible, and the roots can be tapped for water. mimosa is sold in florists and grown in South Africa for its bark-tannin and gum.

Acacia Senegal is the main source of Gum Arabic, used in sweets, inks, fabric printing, to thicken artists' paints, and to add shine to silk and crepes.

The thorns of A. cornigera treat asthma, the root delays snakebite effects, and the bark is given for skin problems. A. catechu wood yields dye and catechu. The latter extract is chewed with betel-nuts and used as a disinfectant against throat inflammation.

REMARK:
Acacia pods growing on trees in the savannah are irresistible food for elephants.