Acacia maras Engl.
Acacia maras Engl. is a shrub or small tree from the Fabaceae family, which is also known as the pea family. This plant is native to South America and can be found growing in Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina.
Common names
Acacia maras Engl. has several common names, including "Kheo", "Kheo blanco", "Kheo colorado", and "California acacia". These names vary depending on the region and local language.
Uses
Acacia maras Engl. has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties. Indigenous peoples in South America have used this plant to treat various ailments, including coughs, colds, and bronchitis. It has also been used as a diuretic and to reduce inflammation. More recently, Acacia maras Engl. has been studied for its potential anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant effects.
In addition to its medicinal uses, Acacia maras Engl. is used in reforestation projects due to its rapid growth and tolerance to drought conditions. It is also used as a source of firewood and to provide shade for crops and livestock.
General appearance
Acacia maras Engl. is a shrub or small tree that can grow up to 10 meters tall. It has gray or brown bark and long, thin branches. The leaves are bipinnate and measure up to 12 cm in length. The flowers are small and yellow, and they grow in clusters. The fruit is a legume that measures up to 20 cm in length and contains several seeds.
Overall, Acacia maras Engl. is a versatile plant with various traditional and modern uses. Its ease of cultivation and ability to thrive in harsh environments make it an important species in South America.
Light Requirements
Acacia maras Engl. requires full sunlight to grow properly. The plant will not thrive in shaded areas, so it is best to plant it in an open area that receives direct sunlight for most of the day.
Temperature Requirements
Acacia maras Engl. requires warm temperatures to grow, with a minimum temperature of around 15°C. The plant cannot tolerate frost and will die if exposed to freezing temperatures. So, it's best to keep the plant in a warm environment where the temperature stays above 15°C.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining, sandy soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. It does not do well in clay soils or areas with poor drainage. Before planting, the soil should be prepared and amended with organic matter to improve the overall quality of the soil. The use of fertilizers should be kept to a minimum and should be used judiciously as they can trigger high growth rates to the detriment of plant health.
Cultivation methods
Acacia maras Engl. is a hardy plant that thrives in well-drained soils. The plant can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. In areas with warm climates, the best time to plant Acacia maras Engl. is during the rainy season when the soil is moist. Before planting, clear the planting area of weeds and till the soil to loosen it up for root growth. When planting, dig a hole big enough to accommodate the plant roots carefully. The plant should be placed in the hole, and the soil gently pressed around the base of the stem.
Watering needs
Acacia maras Engl. requires moderate watering, especially during the first two years after planting. The soil should be consistently moist but not waterlogged. During the dry spell, the plant should receive more water to prevent it from wilting. Always water the plant early in the morning or late in the evening when the temperature is cooler to avoid water evaporating quickly.
Fertilization
Acacia maras Engl. requires minimal fertilization. The plant does best with natural fertilizers. You can add organic matter such as compost manure to the soil. The manure should be well-rotted before adding it to the soil. Alternatively, you can use inorganic fertilizers that contain a balanced dose of essential nutrients. However, be cautious not to over-fertilize the plant as an excess fertilizer can damage the roots.
Pruning
Acacia maras Engl. requires minimal pruning. However, it is good to remove the dead or damaged branches regularly to keep the plant healthy. Pruning should be done in the early spring after the plant has flowered and before new growth appears. The pruning should be done carefully to avoid damaging the plant.
Propagation of Acacia maras Engl.
Acacia maras Engl., commonly known as the Maras gum tree, can be propagated in a few ways:
Seed propagation
Propagation from seed is the most common method of propagating Acacia maras. To propagate from seed, collect mature pods once they have turned brown and are starting to split open. Remove the seeds from the pods and soak them in hot water for 24 hours to break down the hard outer layer of the seed coat. Sow the seeds in sandy soil with good drainage and keep them moist. Germination should occur within 2-4 weeks.
Cutting propagation
Acacia maras can also be propagated from cuttings. Take semi-hardwood cuttings from the current season's growth, making sure they are at least 10 cm long and have 2-3 nodes. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the base into rooting hormone powder. Plant the cuttings in sandy soil with good drainage and keep them moist. Rooting should occur within 4-6 weeks.
Air layering propagation
Air layering is another method of propagating Acacia maras. It involves removing a ring of bark from a branch and wrapping it with damp sphagnum moss and plastic wrap. Roots should grow from the exposed wood within a few months. Once roots have formed, cut the rooted section from the parent plant and plant it in a pot or directly in the ground.
Propagation of Acacia maras can be easy if done correctly. Choose the method that works best for you and enjoy growing this beautiful tree in your garden.
Disease Management
Acacia maras Engl. is known to be susceptible to various diseases that can affect its growth and reduce the yield. One of the common diseases that affect the plant is root rot. Root rot can be caused by factors such as poor soil drainage, overwatering, or the presence of pathogens in the soil. Symptoms of root rot include wilting, stunted growth, and yellowing of the leaves. To manage root rot, it’s essential to improve soil drainage and avoid overwatering. In severe cases, the affected plant should be removed and destroyed.
Another disease that can affect Acacia maras is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that thrives in warm and humid conditions. Symptoms of powdery mildew include white powdery spots on the leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage powdery mildew, use of fungicides is recommended. Also, proper air circulation and removal of infected leaves can help control the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Acacia maras is also affected by various pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. One of the common pests that affect the plant is the stem-boring insect. The stem-boring insect feeds on the stem tissue, which can cause significant damage, leading to stunted growth and wilted leaves. To manage the stem-boring insect, pruning of affected branches and use of insecticides is recommended.
Another pest that can affect Acacia maras is the gall-forming mite. The gall-forming mite feeds on the leaves and stems of the plant, which can cause deformation and discoloration of the leaves. To manage the gall-forming mite, the use of miticides is recommended. Also, keeping plants healthy and adequately hydrated can help prevent these pests from attacking the plant.
