Umbrella Bush Shrub
The Umbrella Bush Shrub (Acacia ligulata, Mimosaceae) is a dense, multi-branched shrub that belongs to the Mimosaceae family. It is named "umbrella thorn" for its umbrella-like branches. It is among the plants suitable for cultivation in Riyadh Province in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as it has been selected for landscape projects in the province due to its adaptability. Its country of origin includes Australia, the Mediterranean region, and tropical and subtropical areas. It is a medicinal plant and has economic uses.
Characteristics of the Umbrella Bush Shrub
The height of the Umbrella Bush Shrub ranges from one to five m, with its trunk rising about forty-five cm above ground level. It has dense branches with brown to yellow streaks. Its leaves are evergreen, varying in length from four to ten cm. Its flowers are golden-yellow, arranged in rounded inflorescences, and bloom from February to April. The pods are brown with faint stripes, about nine cm in length, and resemble those of Acacia salicina and Acacia bivenosa.
Cultivation of the Umbrella Bush Shrub
The Umbrella Bush Shrub grows rapidly in alkaline, well-drained soil, whether light or heavy. It can be propagated by cuttings, transplanting seedlings, or seeds, which germinate well in tilled soils. It tolerates frost to minus nine degrees Celsius and can withstand drought for up to eight months. It is sensitive to heavily polluted urban environments and waterlogged conditions. It does not need much water and maintenance and can tolerate salinity levels of up to five thousand ppm.
Uses of the Umbrella Bush Shrub
The Umbrella Bush Shrub is planted in public spaces and rock gardens and used as windbreaks, park landscaping, stabilizing hills, and protection against erosion.