Vachellia farnesiana, Vachellia aroma and another plant called Neltuma juliflora are causing some confusion. All of these species may grow in the Philippines with the Neltuma called out as growing in the Batangas and La Union regions. The Vachellia farnesiana grows throughout the Philippines and so they both grow in the same area or region. I will have to work to determine which plants I have. Consequently, I am thinking the Aromang dagat may be the coastal plant and Neltuma juliflora or V. farnesiana. Maybe the Aroma I got is farnesiana. More work to do. The bonsai community uses both plants under a common identification of Aromang dagat or Aroma.
Neltuma juliflora characteristics
Firstly, the Neltuma juliflora (Mesquite tree) and is considered highly invasive in the Philippines. Some of it’s identifying characteristics make it a challenge to correctly identify in the Bonsai hobby. It is a highly aggressive and invasive thorny shrub growing up to 15 meters. Brown twisted branch with thorns up to 5cm in length. These thorns can cause infections in humans.
Vachellia aroma characteristics
Secondly, the Vachellia aroma (Aroma Mesquite) is called Huizache and doesn’t have common names in Asia. This plant produces yellow puffy flowers similar to Vachellia farnesiana. One thing to set it apart is that it normally grows in dry forests and areas recently having distrurbed soil. So, like the N. juliflora (Mesquite) but this Mesquite has an aroma and flowers. Native to Mexico, Central America and South America. Bees love this plant. This plant also does not see the same regional distribution as the others.
Vachellia farnesiana characteristics
Finally, the Vachellia farnesiana (Sweet Acacia) is a smaller spiny tree or shrub. it grows up to 5M in nature and blooms with golden-yellow and fragrant flowers. The perfume industry used this plant for its flowers and aromas. Curiously, it is possible this plant was introduced to the Philippines many years ago and is thought by many local as native. Often used as medicine for diarrhea and skin diseases. It grows along the coasts in the Philippines and may have acquired the label of Aromang dagat.
Vachellia farnesiana specifics
- Core Identification & Taxonomy
- Scientific Name: Vachellia farnesiana (previous Mimosa farnesiana or Acasia farnesiana)
- Common Name: Sweet Acacia, Aroma, Kandaroma (Ilokano), huisache, casha tree, needle bush
- Family: Fabaceae
- Varietals:
- Habitat/Range: Peru, Chile, rgentina, and Paraguay
- Morphology & Characteristics
- Growth Habit: Shrub or tree up to 7 meters, common along the coast
- Leaves: Delicate foliage, the base of each leaf has a pair of thorns
- Flowers: Yellow puffy flowers
- Fruit/Seed: Dark brown seed pod
- Stem/Bark: Whitish Gray or greyish brown trunk
- Growth: Fast
- Bonsai Notes
- Sun Exposure: Full sun 6-8 hours daily. This plant can stand the afternoon sun.
- Water Use: Drought tolerant, moderate water
- Soil Mix: Limestone (anapog), Akadama, Pumice, Lava Rock, Rock
- Fertilizing: balanced fertilizer every 4 weeks during the active growing season (spring through autumn).
- Styling and Maintenance
- Pruning: Regular pruning is essential. Heavy pruning, Clip and grow.
- Defoliation: Partial or full leaf pruning can be used to reduce leaf size, making the tree appear more proportional as a miniature.
- Wiring: Branches can be difficult as the branches are very brittle.
Gallery images
First, we are uploading pictures of our plants to show the parts of a plant that may help in identification. Second, we only have so many plants and my photography skills are not actually skillful. Finally, if it would help to see another angle or view, view us a message and we will attempt to get the right picture perspective.
