Description

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Acacia tortuosa (Poponax), is a small deciduous tree or shrub. In habitat, it grows to 30 feet (9.14 m) tall and is common to disturbed sites. The trunk has light brown bark with darker streaks. It has an irregular crown, flat on top with feathery thin foliage. Also, branches grow upward and bear compound leaves 1(2.54 centimeters) to 3 inches (7.62 cm) long with numerous small soft leaflets. Acacia’s small branches all have spines. The yellow-orange fragrant flowers are borne in clusters in leaf axils. The flowers are tiny blooms that attract bees and insect pollinators. Fruits are dark brown woody pods, covered with downy hair. The curved pods measure up to 5.5 inches (13.97 cm) long containing ovoid seeds. Moreover, the livestock eats the leaves and pods. While its Wood is good for fuel. 

 As a pioneer species, poponax is a hardy tree, suited to well-drained soil type. Importantly, It tolerates salt spray. It is a good tree for land reclamation.  Poponax’s delicate foliage and showy flowers make it an ideal ornamental plant. Undoubtedly, it would make a good specimen or accent tree. Acacia tortuosa (Poponax) is suitable in parking lots for shade, along street sides or in medians as a tree or shrub. Alternatively, you can train Poponax as a bonsai plant. Propagation is by seed or cuttings.