Faique, Porknut
Vachellia macracantha

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A small tree. It grows 10 m tall. It varies a lot. It has large spines on the branches. The crown is flat. The leaves are alternate and have leaflets along the stalk. The flowers have 5 small petals and long yellow stamens. They are arranged in round clusters. The fruit is a brown pod with brown seeds.

There are about 1,350 Acacia species. Over 1,000 occur in Australia. Also as Mimosaceae.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. In Ecuador it grows between sea level and 3,100 m above sea level. It grows in dry forests.

Countries/locations it is found in

Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador (country/location of origin), Guiana, Guyana, Haiti, Mexico, Puerto Rico, North America, South America, USA, Venezuela, West Indies

How it is used for food

The unripe fruit are cooked and then eaten in salads.

Edible parts

Pods, fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Algabarrobo, Aromo, Aromo vilca, Chinchin, Espino, Faique, Guarango

Synonyms

Acacia macracantha Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.; Poponax macracantha (Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd) Killip; Mimosa macracantha (Humb. & Bonpl ex Willd.) Poir; and others