ACACIAS AND FALSE ACACIAS 



The acacias and false acacias belong to the Pulse family, which is char- 

 acterized by its pod-like fruit and compound leaves composed of small leaflets 

 which for>n a graceful foliage Most species have spines, and some have 

 striking flowers which give them additional ornamental value. 



All members of the Pulse family, which contains over seven thousand 

 species of plants throughout the world, have the power of transforming the 

 nitrogen of the air into a fertilizer that enriches the soil in which they grow. 

 The plants range in size from peas, beans and alfalfa to large trees. All of 

 them are called legumes because of their pods which are of the order of those 

 borne by beans and peas. 



The trees in this family embrace four to five hundred species which are 

 mostly small or medium-sized. They are widely distributed in all temperate 

 and tropical regions. Some of the genera have little commercial or orna- 

 mental value. Others such as the Acacia, Robinia, Gleditschia and Cercis are 

 widely planted because of their attractive foliage and flowers, and their ability 

 to flourish in poor soils and under arid conditions. 



ACACIAS 



The generic term Acacia is derived from a word meaning a point or thorn, 

 and relates to the branches, which are usually armed. It is a very large 

 genus which embraces more than four hundred species dispersed throughout 

 the tropical parts of the earth and in parts of the temperate zone. Ten or 

 twelve species are native to North America of which four are arborescent. 

 The Australian species are the largest and most valuable for timber. Other 

 species yield valuable by-products such as flowers for perfumery, bark for 

 tanning purposes, wood for medicines and dyes, and gum arabic. 



The acacias have great historical and symbolic significance inasmuch as 

 the Ark of the Covenant and the Ark of the Tabernacle were made from 

 one species, the Shittim wood of the Bible. On account of its "incorruptible" 

 wood this species was also used by the Egyptians to make coffins for the burial 

 of their kings. The Buddhists and the Hindus regard the wood of the acacia 

 as sacred and burn it on their altars Chinese doctors believe that the acacia 

 is identified with the eye and prescribe its use to clear the eyesight. 



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