How do you recognize an acacia? An important feature, for example, are the leaves of the deciduous tree. Thanks to certain properties, the acacia can be easily distinguished from other trees. But do you actually know what exactly acacia leaves look like? No? Then the following article will tell you everything you need to know.

The silver acacia has pinnate, very long leaves

General information about acacia leaves

The acacia rarely sheds its leaves. The deciduous tree is actually one of the evergreen plants. The leaves are alternate and pinnate, but vary in appearance from species to species. A few acacia varieties are listed below as examples.

Different species, different leaf shapes

  • the water acacia: green, narrow leaves with a smooth edge
  • the silver acacia: grey-green leaves, imparipinnate, numerous individual leaves up to 18 cm long
  • the blackwood acacia: short-stalked, green leaves, oblong, ovoid shape
  • the gray Muga acacia: alternate leaves green imparipinnate, smooth margin
  • the Dietrich acacia: dull, blue-green colored leaves in an elongated shape, smooth edge, upright
  • the Quorn acacia: smooth leaf margin, oblong shape, green

Acacia leaves change over time

Young acacias have a normal petiole. With increasing growth, this flattens out more and more. This knowledge is extremely useful for determining the age of your acacia. Incidentally, photosynthesis takes place on the petiole of the acacia.

Acacia leaves have their own defense mechanism

Acacia trees not only have sharp thorns to protect them from predators, they also protect themselves with their leaves. If the foliage is eaten by an animal, the acacia produces ethene, an intense scent that warns nearby deciduous trees. These then produce toxic tannins, so-called tannins. These have a toxic effect on the digestion of the pests, so that they no longer visit an acacia in the future.

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Trees