Poponax
Vachellia tortuosa
- Native to:
- Aruba, Bahamas, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Galápagos, Haiti, Jamaica, Leeward Is., Netherlands Antilles, Peru, Puerto Rico, Turks-Caicos Is., United States, Venezuela, Venezuelan Antilles, Virgin Islands, Windward Is.
iNaturalist: © chris77670 (iNaturalist #299134962)






Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Vachellia
- Species:
- Vachellia tortuosa
- USDA Symbol:
- VATO2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 900 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- mar,apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, butterflies, small mammals
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts from root crown after fire; fire may stimulate seed germination.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Common in arid and semi-arid regions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Warm stratification required — 30–60 days
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 7–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require scarification (nicking or hot water treatment) to break physical dormancy, then warm stratification.