Did you know….

The branch of the Acacia Tree symbolizes the immortality of the soul. The evergreen nature of the tree reflects the part of us that never dies. There are about 160 different species of the Acacia Tree.

The Acacia has sturdy roots that reach deep for underground water. It’s long roots stabilize the soil in areas threatened by erosion. It also nourishes the soil with nitrogen, restoring fertility. The tree can tolerate extreme drought conditions because of their deep roots. Some types of the tree are protected by long sharp thorns, that are not pleasant tasting, discouraging animals from eating its leaves and bark.

However, the tree has a special relationship with stinging ants. Hollowed out thorns create a home for the ants and the tree’s sweet nectar their sustenance. The ants in turn protect the tree from herbivores.

The Acacia Tree can warn other trees when a giraffe, for example, begins to nibble on its leaves. It sends a distress signal by producing a specific gas. When the other trees smell this gas they push tannin into their leaves which giraffes do not like. Giraffes are quite intelligent too though, and know that the warning signal only reaches about 100 meters which is why they always avoid the trees within that range of the tree they were just nibbling on.

Like we use the World Wide Web, there is what scientists call, the Wood Wide Web. These trees as well as all others trees, not only warn each other but they also share water and nutrients to help each other grow.

The tree provides shelter, sustenance, stability, beauty, insight, and wisdom. Come, and rest, under The Acacia Tree.