Vachellia caven

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aromo

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Other common names

caven, espinal

Synonyms

Acacia caven

Shrubs Trees

A spiny evergreen shrub or small tree to 5m tall, with leathery leaves composed of numerous tiny, opposite leaflets. In spring it produces spherical, yellow, pom-pom flowerheads; these are highly fragrant

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
4-8 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H3
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Fabaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus
A genus of flowering trees, shrubs and climbers found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world with divided foliage, spiny at the base, and spherical yellow or creamy-white flowers
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
South America

How to Grow

Cultivation

Under glass, grow in pots of loam-based potting compost with added organic matter. Postion in full sun. Water freely while in active growth and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; water sparingly at other times. Outdoors grow in moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in a warm and sheltered site. Drought tolerant once established

Propagation

Propagate by sowing pre-soaked seed, or by semi-ripe cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • Coastal
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

See pruning group 11

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free