Acacia maracantha
Casha trees can grow to be 20-30 plus feet (6-9 m) with multiple trunks that protrude from the ground. The trunk of the tree itself can measure up to 12 inches (30 cm) wide in diameter. The twigs of the casha tree grow in a zig zag like shape and are covered in leaves and thorns at the node. Leaves and Bark: The leaves are alternate, bipinnately compound. They can grow to be 3-6 inches long (8-15 cm). The Casha tree has 10-25 pairs of lateral midrib leaves with 12-30 pairs of minute leaflets. The bark of an older Casha tree is usually cracked while younger trees have a smooth bark. Flowers: The vibrant yellow flowers of the casha tree grow in clusters that measure at about 0.4 inches wide on top of stalks that grow to lengths of 0.5-1 inch long. The flowers themselves are comprised of mostly stamens and have a funnel like shape.
The fruit pods found on the Casha tree are 2-4 inches in length and about 0.5 inches in diameter. When young, the seed pods start off green. However, as they begin to mature they turn rusty brown almost black in color. Once mature the seeds do not split open but instead are spread by cows and goats who enjoy eating them. Habitat: Casha trees are usually found in rocky soils, which is quite abundant in the Virgin Islands, Lesser Antilles and Venezuela [1]. They are drought, salt and wind resistant and are not typically found growing among other tree species, except for cacti. Uses: The Casha tree has several surprising uses. One being that their wood is used for fence posts and other construction. Because the wood is dense and heavy it can also be used in manufacturing charcoal. The roots of the tree as well as its bark and leaves have been said to have medicinal purposes as well. The extracts of the tree have been used to treat hernias, inflammations, diarrhea and even, gangrene
References[edit]
- ↑ Acevedo-Rodriguez, P. 1996. Flora of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. Memoirs of the New York Botanical Garden, vol. 78.
Acacia macracantha[edit]
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