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Acacia tortilis Bonsai Seeds

Umbrella Thorn; Haak-en-Steek

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. Acacias have either bipinnate leaves or their leaves are replaced by flattened leave stalks, known as phyllodes, which perform the function of photosynthesis. 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 butt frosts. Many of them make suitable bonsai candidates. 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.

Acacia tortilis commonly known as Umbrella Thorn in English and Haak-en-Steek in Afrikaans is widely distributed over the warm, dry parts of the northern and eastern parts of South Africa. It has the classic, umbrella-shaped canopy associated with thorn trees. It reaches heights of between 5-20m in nature. Flowering is profuse and occurs from November-January in the southern hemisphere. The flowers are white to pale yellow. The species adapts well to garden conditions, provided it does not receive too much water. It tolerates moderate frost and much drought. This truly makes an outstanding Bonsai specimen!!