Common Name:
bauhinia leaf acacia
Family Name:
Fabaceae
Botanical Name:
Senegalia crassifolia
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
Senegalia crassifolia, commonly known as the butterfly-leaf acacia or bauhinia leaf acacia, is a small evergreen tree that reaches 3-3.7m (10–15 ft) in height and roughly the same in width (1). The foliage is strikingly and unique for the genus, featuring thick, butterfly-shaped leaves that resemble those of Bauhinia, with which it is frequently confused (1). In spring, the tree produces puffball-like inflorescences in white to buff tones, followed by wide, ear-shaped woody legume pods (1). Although it looks dissimilar to its close relative Senegalia berlandieri (guajillo), it is genetically most closely related to that species and hybridizes with it in the wild, producing offspring with intermediate foliage forms (1). The plant has low maintenance needs and is adapted to dry conditions, growing faster with moderate water input (1).
Compound:
Sen cra
Geographic Origin:
Mexican Desert
Ecozone Origin:
Nearctic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
Native to northeastern Mexico, Senegalia crassifolia is a dryland species adapted to well-drained soils and full sun exposure (1). Its butterfly-like leaves distinguish it from nearly all other Senegalia species, and its evolutionary connection to S. berlandieri is evidenced by its capacity to hybridize naturally, despite stark morphological differences (1). The species was formerly classified under Acacia but has since been reclassified to Senegalia, a genus with 226 species globally (1). The name crassifolia derives from Latin “crassus,” meaning thick or coarse, referring to its notably thick foliage (1).
Cultivation Notes:
The butterfly-leaf acacia thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial sun when young. It prefers well-drained soil and has low nutritional requirements (1). Although it is drought-tolerant, the plant grows more quickly with regular watering (1). It is suited for use as a small shade tree or a screening shrub, particularly in middle basin zones. It is not recommended for container growth, and its hardiness is presumed to be at least into the –9°C to –7°C (mid to high teens °F), based on its native habitat (1). Minimal maintenance is required, though thorny branches should be pruned in high-traffic areas (1).
Ethnobotany:
Human uses of Senegalia crassifolia are not well-documented (1).
Height:
6 - 10 feet
Width:
11 - 15 feet
Growth Rate:
Moderate Growing
Grow Season:
Spring
Flower Season:
Spring
Color:
Cream
Function:
Screen
Spread:
Non-spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Semi-hardy
Water Use:
Low water Use
