Acaciella angustissima

Acaciella angustissima is normally a shrub but can also look like a small tree when fully grown, since its height can vary from 2–7 m depending on the growing conditions. Large clumps of small white flowers cover the branches of the bush. The flowers have 5 petals with a large number of stamens extended far past the petals. The plant also produces a small seedpod that starts out green, but then turns brown when fully matured. The seedpods usually have a length of 4–7 cm, and are 6–8 mm wide. The leaves which are one of the plant's key traits are made up of 10–20 pairs of long thin leaves that go down a stem. They come in pairs of 3–12. One unique feature of A. angustissima is that it is thornless unlike most members of the genus Acacia (which it formerly belonged to). ==Distribution and habitat==

Acaciella angustissima comes from the plant family Fabaceae. It only grows in very wet parts of the world, usually around the equator due to its large consumption of water. It is native to southern parts of North America, the Caribbean and the majority of South America. ==Cultivation==

There are many constraints restricting A. angustissima from wider adoption. For instance, the amount of water it needs to survive is 3–4 times the amount of rainfall found in northern Africa. Additionally, A. angustissima can act as a rapidly spreading weed. Because it has turned into a weed in its native habitat, the species should only be used in a controlled environment or when absolutely necessary. Acaciella angustissima should be planted in March or April in soil that has good drainage and is more on the acidic side on the pH scale. To be most effectively utilized it should be used to prevent erosion, since it has such a large root system. This is also one of its downfalls, since when it is intercropped with other species its roots can be a major competitor for vital nutrients. Luckily its fallen leaves can provide enough N, K, and P to keep smaller nearby plants healthy, and provide some shade at the same time. Acaciella angustissima is self-sustaining and does not need fertilizer, but has been found to respond well to fertilizer when added. However, the plant has a large water requirement. It requires a minimum rain fall of 700 mm but can handle up to 3,000 mm. == Toxicity ==

A. angustissima contains roughly 10% tannins, which is the plant's natural defense mechanism. The taste created by the tannins is not usually welcomed, and the compound itself negatively affects livestock digestive systems. == Uses ==

Alcoholic beverages The bark is used in the production of alcoholic beverages. Forage The seeds of Acaciella angustissima are high in protein and are somewhat useful as forage for livestock. The tree has a tannin content of 6%, which inhibits the ability of livestock to make use of the tree's protein. Medicine The indigenous Tzotzil and Tzeltal Maya people of Mexico use A. angustissima to treat digestive tract problems. They also use it to treat toothache, rheumatoid arthritis and cuts of the skin. Experiments have shown that A. angustissima mildly inhibits the growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. == References ==