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bull horn acacia

Scientific Name: Acacia collinsii

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Bullhorn Acacia

The Bullhorn Acacia is a fascinating plant known for its unique symbiotic relationship with ants. Here's what you need to know:

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant is known for its large, sharp thorns resembling bull's horns, which could pose a risk of injury.
  • Several texts mention the presence of stinging ants (Pseudomyrmex ferruginea) that inhabit the plant and protect it, so encountering the plant may result in stings.

Considerations for Children

  • The plant is known for its large, sharp thorns resembling bull's horns, which could pose a risk of injury.
  • Several texts mention the presence of stinging ants (Pseudomyrmex ferruginea) that inhabit the plant and protect it, so encountering the plant may result in stings.

Scientific Name and Common Names

  • Scientific Name: Vachellia cornigera (also referred to as Acacia cornigera and Acacia collinsii)
  • Common Name: Bullhorn Acacia, Bull's Horn Acacia, Swollen-Thorn Acacia

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Family: Fabaceae (Pea family)
  • Subfamily: Mimosoideae
  • Synonyms: The text mentions both Acacia collinsii and Acacia sphaerocephala as being plants with the common name Bull Horn Acacia.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to Mexico and Central America.
  • Observed in southwestern Tamaulipas, Mexico.
  • Common in jungle environments.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • A swollen-thorn tree, characterized by paired, pointed horns along the stems and trunk.
  • The thorns are hollow.

Ecological Role

  • Known for its mutualistic relationship with acacia ants (Pseudomyrmex ferruginea).
  • The ants live within the hollow thorns, and the plant provides food in the form of Beltian bodies and nectar.
  • The ants, in turn, provide protection to the acacia, acting as "bodyguards" against herbivores and competitive plants.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Exhibits a symbiotic relationship with Pseudomyrmex ferruginea ants.
  • The plant defends itself against herbivores (like giraffes) with chemical defenses and the protection provided by ants.

Quirky Facts

  • Bullhorn acacia-ant stings are rated as 1.8 on the Schmidt Sting Pain Index.

Resources

  • Dave's Garden is mentioned as a resource for garden tips and ideas.
  • Wikimedia Commons is referenced for an image of Acacia collinsii.