Acacia

Acacia describes various trees and shrubs, the most important of which provide important herbs. Acacia are quick growing, short-lived shrubs with finely divided, often fernlike leaves. The tiny flowers, occasionally white, but usually yellow to orange, are profusely borne in effective globular clusters or cylindrical spikes.

Many species are used as ornamental plants outdoors in mild climates, or by florists for their early spring blooms. The fruit is borne in pods. Acacia have various economic uses, furnishing tannin for leather and oils for perfumery. Blackwood^rx is used in cabinet making^rx. Gum arabic is used in medicine, while catechu furnishes dyestuffs for cloth.