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Acacia refers to a diverse group of shrubs and trees that includes various species such as the thorn trees found in the African savannah, the gum arabic tree (Acacia senegal) in North Africa, and certain species in North America, particularly in the southwestern USA and Mexico. The false acacia (Robinia pseudacacia, subfamily Papilionoideae) is a hardy tree commonly referred to as acacia, although it does not belong to the Acacia genus.
True acacias are primarily found in warm regions worldwide, with a notable presence in Australia. The mimosa tree, Acacia dealbata, is cultivated in some parts of France and other warmer European countries. This particular acacia is recognized for its clusters of fluffy, scented yellow flowers, often sold by florists as mimosa. The leaves of the Acacia genus are typically bipinnate, meaning they have leaflets on both sides of each stem, and the flowers grow in a characteristic head formation. The genus Acacia is part of the family Leguminosae.
Thorn trees with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background, in Tanzania. Thorn trees, of the genus Acacia, are
an important component of the plant life of the dry, subtropical African savannah.