Acacia Trees

Acacia trees are common across Africa, Australia, and other warm regions. They are known for their flat, umbrella-shaped tops on the African savanna. Acacia trees have thorns to protect themselves from animals. Many animals depend on acacia trees for food and shelter.

Surviving the Savanna

Acacia trees are tough survivors. Their deep roots find water far underground. Long thorns protect their leaves from being eaten by most animals. Some acacias even have hollow thorns where stinging ants live. The ants attack any animal that tries to eat the tree's leaves.

Giraffes and Acacias

Giraffes are one of the few animals that can eat acacia leaves. Their tough tongues and lips can handle the thorns. When a giraffe starts eating, the tree releases chemicals to make its leaves taste bitter. It even sends a chemical signal through the air to warn nearby trees to do the same.

Fun Facts

• Some acacia trees have a partnership with ants that protect the tree from hungry animals.
• Acacia trees can warn each other of danger by releasing chemicals into the air.
• Giraffe tongues are about 18 inches long and tough enough to handle acacia thorns.

Did You Know?

Some acacia trees are called whistling thorns because the wind blows through the hollow thorns and makes a whistling sound!