Palo Blanco, The White-Barked Acacia from Sonora Mexico

Acacia willardiana (palo blanco, or white bark acacia) is a graceful, willowy and airy tree, which can reach a height of 15 - 20 feet with a 10-foot canopy. It is a slender tree with no thorns. The name refers to the shiny white trunk that is revealed through light tan to white peeling bark. Cream-colored flowers appear in spring, sometimes again in the summer rains. Acacia willardiana is unusual for an American Acacia in that it has a phyllodic petiole (strap-like midrib) which can carry on photosynthesis when leaflets drop. Many Australian Acacias and eucalyptus possess this sort of phyllode, but without the leaflets usually.

Click here for a view of the trunk: http://38.167.166.81/data/PlantList/imag...

Click here for a view of the tree itself: http://38.167.166.81/data/PlantList/imag...

Temperatures below the mid 20s F. will damage palo blanco, so it is good to plant it in a sheltered location unless temperatures rarely get that low. With moderate water this tree will grow moderately fast, although poor soils and low water are tolerated just fine. Full sun is preferred for best growth. This is a specimen plant, good for the patio and able to grow fairly well in container situations. The Seri Indians used the wood for constructing carrying poles and other tools. Endemic to Sonora, Mexico, usually on rocky hillsides, and though it has been reported to be growing in Baja California it has yet to be relocated. To find out more about legumes of arid or semi arid lands contact The Desert Legume Program at: delep@juno.com http://ag.arizona.edu/bta/bta100.html

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