The large-scale genus occurs in a variety of open tropical to subtropical habitats and is locally dominant. In parts of Africa, Vachellia species are gradually being formed by grazing animals of increasing size and growth, such as the gazelle, gerenuch and giraffe. The genus in Africa thus developed thorns for protection against such herbivores.
The Acacia Cinnecord is a medium-sized tree, typically 15 to 20 feet tall, but can reach a height of 30 feet. In Florida, Cinnecord is found in dry sites, hammocks, and on upland edges of swamps and mangroves. In addition, it will produce multiple trunks and shrub forms. Also, the trunk has no spines and its bark is brown with whitish cracks in the outer layer. Furthermore, it has an open irregular crown with erect branches and casts a light shade. Moreover, the leaves are bipinnate, alternate with small stipules at the petiole base, and 4 to 8 inches long. While the leaflets are dark green, up to 3/4 inch long, oblong, obtuse with an entire margin.
Moreover, the flowers are borne in tight axillary or terminal globose heads about 3/8 inch across. Each small showy yellow flower accompanied by a bract. Meanwhile, the fruit is a pod, turning brown when mature, 3 by .5 to 1 inches, containing seeds surrounded by a white fleshy pulp. Its forms of propagation is through seeds. In cultivation, it is a hardy tree, and can grow on a range of well-drained soils. It provides habitat for wildlife and attracts butterflies and birds.
In conclusion, as a garden plant, is an attractive choice because of its dark green leaves, yellow puff-like flowers, and lack of spines; it can serve as an accent or specimen tree and is ideal for a native plant garden. Cinnecord is an endangered plant in Florida.
