Acacia, << uh KAY shuh, >> is the name given to a variety of trees and shrubs known for their sharp spines. However, the many acacias that grow in Australia do not grow spines. In addition to Australia, acacias grow in parts of Africa, Asia, and the Americas. There are hundreds of species (kinds).
The flowers of most acacias are either yellow or white and grow in round or long clusters. Many species have compound leaves consisting of numerous leaflets. In some species, the leaves grow from wide, flat leafstalks. Other species of acacias lack true leaves and have only the leafstalks. The catclaw acacia of the southwestern United States and the bullhorn acacia of Mexico are among the acacias that have spines. The bullhorn acacia has large, paired hornlike spines that are partly hollow and often inhabited by ferocious ants. These ants attack any other animal that invades the tree.
Some acacias produce a gum called gum arabic that is used in making foods, drugs, and other products. The bark of various acacias produces tannin, a substance used to make leather. In arid regions, acacia leaves and fruits provide food for livestock and other animals. Several kinds of acacia have become endangered, mostly because of habitat destruction.
