Caven
Acacia caven

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 5 m tall. There are prickles along the stem. The leaves are twice divided and there are 8-18 pairs of pinnae. There are up to 50 pairs of pinnules on each pinnae. The flowers are yellow. They are in large clusters at the ends of branches. The pods are flattened.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows in Patagonia. It can tolerate drought once established. It suits hardiness zones 6-11.

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, South America, Uruguay

How it is used for food

It is used for sweet dishes and drinks.

Edible parts

Caution, seeds - coffee

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Aromita, Aromito, Aromo criollo, Aruma, Caven, Cawen, Churque, Churqui, Chusqui, Espinillo, Espino, Espino maulino, Huayun, Khine negro, Quirinca, Tusca

Synonyms

Acacia adenopa Hook. & Arn.; Acacia cavenia Bertero ex Bull.; Acacia cavenia (Molina) Hook. & Arn.; Acacia farnesiana var. cavenia (Hook. & Arn.) Kuntze; Acacia farnesiana var. cavenia (Molina) Kuntze; Acacia farnesiana f. cavenia (Molina) E.C.Clos; Mimosa caven Molina; Mimosa cavenia Molina; Vachellia caven (Molina) Seigler & Ebinger; Vachellia farnesiana (L.) Wight & Arn.; Vachellia farnesiana f. cavernia (Molina) Speg.;