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:

General Information

Vachellia cornigera is a shrub or a small tree, usually growing up to 10 metres tall, occasionally reaching 15 metres.
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. The seedpods are often harvested in quantity in some areas and are then transported to local markkets for sale[].

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

C. America - Costa Rica, Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico

Habitat

Moist or dry thickets or thin forest, chiefly on the plains, often forming dense thickets; at elevations up to 900 metres[]. Relatively common in riparian and swamp habitats, growing in fallow fields, pastures, roadsides, and other disturbed sites.

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Tree
Height	8.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

The trees' hollow thorns are inhabited by aggressive, symbiotic ants who rapidly attack any percieved threat to the tree, including browsing mammals. In return the ants receive nourishment from the tree's leafstalks and leaflet tips[].
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 pulp of the mature seedpod is eaten commonly[]. The seedpod is usually 40 - 50mm long and 15mm thick, containing seeds that are surrounded by an abundant pulp[].

Medicinal

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[].

Other Uses

The hollow thorns are used to add patterns to bead necklaces[].

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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