Classification of the genus Acacia (in the wider sense) has been subject to considerable debate. It is generally agreed that there are valid reasons for breaking it up into several distinct genera, but there has been disagreement over the way this should be done. As of 2017, it is widely (but not completely) accepted that the section that includes the majority of the Australian species should retain the name Acacia, whilst other sections of the genus should be transferred to other genera. This species is transferred to Vachellia[].

Common Name: Roman Cassie

General Information

Vachellia caven is an evergreen, spiny shrub or small tree with a sparse, wide, rounded crown; it can grow 3 - 7 metres tall[, ]. The bole can be 20 - 30cm in diameter, usually branching from near the ground[].
The plant is sometimes cultivated in S. America and southern France for the essential oil contained in the flowers[]. It has also been recommended as an ornamental, valued especially for its floral display, and able to be grown as a hedge[].

Known Hazards

Especially in times of drought, many Acacia species can concentrate high levels of the toxin Hydrogen cyanide in their foliage, making them dangerous for herbivores to eat.

Botanical References

Range

Southern S. America - Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay, Brazil and Bolivia.

Habitat

Grasslands and savannahs, especially in well-drained soils[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Tree
Height	6.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in warm temperate to subtropical and tropical areas. It is found at low to moderate elevations in Chile, in dry to moist regions where the annual rainfall is in the range of 100 - 800mm and there is a distinct dry season that can be as long as 10 months[]. Plants can withstand light frosts, but do not tolerate temperatures much below freezing[].
Prefers a well-drained, circumneutral to slightly acid soil and a position in full sun[, ]. Prefers an acid soil with a significant content of organic matter[]. Established plants are drought tolerant[].
A fairly fast-growing plant, able to reach a height of 2 metres within two years from seed[].
The flowers are very aromatic[].
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[].

Edible Uses

The seeds can be toasted and used a coffee replacement, having digestive and stimulating effect[].

Medicinal

The cooked bark, applied as a poultice, can heal sores and wounds[].

The bark of all Acacia species contains greater or lesser quantities of tannins and are astringent. Astringents are often used medicinally - taken internally, for example. they are used in the treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery, and can also be helpful in cases of internal bleeding. Applied externally, often as a wash, they are used to treat wounds and other skin problems, haemorrhoids, perspiring feet, some eye problems, as a mouth wash etc[, ].
Many Acacia trees also yield greater or lesser quantities of a gum from the trunk and stems. This is sometimes taken internally in the treatment of diarrhoea and haemorrhoids[].

Agroforestry Uses:

Although only a small tree, it is fast-growing and also fixes atmospheric nitrogen. A natural pioneer species within its native range, it can be used in planting programmes for restoring native woodland[].
The plant is grown as a hedge in S. America[].

Other Uses

An essential oil is obtained from the flowers[]. Called 'Caisse Romaine', it is used in perfumery[]. It is used in the same ways as 'Caisse Ancienne', obtained from Acacia farnesiana, though it is less fine and has a more spicy character[]. 200kg of flowers yield 1kg concrete and 300g absolute essential oil[].

Tannins can be obtained from the bark[]. The bark contains up to 10% tannins[].

A gum is obtained from the tree - similar in properties to gum arabic (from Vachellia nilotica)[].

The wood is medium-textured, spiral-grained, hard, heavy, with a very good resistance to rot[, ]. It is often used locally for fence posts, poles, stakes etc, as well as in turnery[, ].
The wood is used for making charcoal or simply as firewood[].

Propagation

Seed - the hard coat needs to be scarified in order to allow water to enter. It should then be pre-soaked for 24 hours in warm water prior to sowing[]. Seed germinates best at a temperature around 21°c[]. Germination rates, even of scarified seed, tends to be quite low, with the seeds sprouting within 30 - 50 days[]. Plants make a deep taproot and resent root disturbance, they should be planted out into their permanent positions as soon as possible[].
Semi-ripe cuttings of lateral shoots[].

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