10 Acacia caffra Bonsai Seeds - Hook Thorn, Cat Thorn Tree Seeds - Beautiful Hardy Indigenous Tree

Acacia caffra Seeds

Common Names: Hook Thorn, Cat Thorn

Acacia is a large genus, in the Fabaceae family, that contains over 1200 species of trees and shrubs from warm climates. Some are deciduous but most are evergreen. Over 700 species are native to Australia. There are 40 species, subspecies and varieties of Acacia indigenous to South Africa. They range from low-growing shrubs to tall trees and many have been introduced to other countries for economic and ornamental purposes. Acacias are also common in tropical and subtropical Africa; most African species are characterized by vicious spines and referred to as ‘thorn trees’. The name Acacia is derived from "akis" meaning a point or barb. The flowers, ranging from deep golden yellow to cream or white, and crowded into globular heads or cylindrical spikes, are often fragrant and produce abundant, bee-attracting pollen. The fruit of Acacias are either round or flattened pods. They do well in most parts of South Africa, and resist all but the severest frosts. Many of them make suitable bonsai candidates, most notably, Acacia burkei, Acacia caffra, Acacia erioloba, Acacia galpinii, Acacia karoo, Acacia nigrescens, Acacia robusta subsp. clavigera, Acacia robusta subsp. robusta and Acacia sieberiana var. woodii. The hard coated seeds remain viable for up to 30 years. They should be treated by heating and soaking for germination in spring. In cultivation many species are fast-growing but short-lived (10-15 years). They do best in full sun and well-drained soil. Some will take part-shade. Prune to shape after their flowers have fallen. 

Wow, what an elegant tree to have! One of the most attractive features of Acacia caffra is the foliage which is bright green and feathery looking. The leaves have a drooping nature which gives the canopy a lovely soft look. The species name, caffra, was an epiphet frequently bestowed on plants from the eastern parts of South Africa in previous centuries. The word caffra in Hebrew means "person living on the land". Acacia caffra makes a beautiful bonsai and is fast growing.

On offer is a pack of 10 Seeds

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