Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Fabaceae

Genus:

Vachellia

Species:

Vachellia rigidula

USDA Symbol:

VARI

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub , Tree

Height:

900 cm

Light Requirements:

Part Shade

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

feb,mar,apr

Bloom Colors:

yellow

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Butterflies & Moths:

★★☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Caterpillars:

★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Reported Fauna Sightings

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, mammals

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Fragrant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts vigorously after fire; fire top-kills but stimulates seed germination.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rocky, well-drained calcareous soil

pH:

6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to arid regions, tolerates drought

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Warm then cold/moist stratification (double dormancy) — 30–90 days

Scarification:

Seed coat scarification required before sowing

Germination Time:

7–30 days

Notes:

Seeds require scarification (hot water or mechanical) followed by warm stratification then cold stratification to break dormancy.