Family: Fabaceae
Author: (Benth.) Britton & Rose
Bibliography: N.L.Britton & al. (eds.), N. Amer. Fl. 23: 109 (1928)
Year: 1928
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Senegalia
Vegetable: False
Observations: Arizona, Texas to Mexico
Description
Guajillo, known scientifically as Senegalia berlandieri, is a versatile and resilient plant belonging to the Fabaceae family. This species can be found thriving in regions extending from Arizona and Texas in the United States down to Mexico, showcasing its adaptability to various climates and soil conditions prevalent across these areas.
Originating from the arid and semi-arid landscapes of the aforementioned regions, Guajillo has carved out a niche for itself, enduring harsh weather conditions and playing a significant role in the local ecosystem. As a member of the legume family, it contributes to soil enrichment by fixing nitrogen, enhancing soil fertility which, in turn, supports surrounding flora.
The plant’s history and botanical attributes were documented extensively in 1928 by prestigious editors N.L. Britton and others in their work for the “North American Flora” series (Vol. 23: 109). The distinguished botanists Britton & Rose further elaborated on its taxonomy, cementing Senegalia berlandieri’s place in botanical literature.
Guajillo typically presents itself as a thorny shrub or small tree, making it a prominent feature in its native landscapes. Its leaves are finely pinnate, an elegant adaptation that reduces water loss, a crucial trait for survival in its often drought-prone environments. During flowering season, Guajillo produces clusters of small, yet conspicuously bright flowers that not only add to the aesthetic value of the plant but also attract a myriad of pollinators, thereby contributing to the local biodiversity.
In addition to its ecological benefits, Guajillo holds value for its utility in various cultural and practical applications. Local communities often utilize parts of the plant for livestock fodder, particularly in the arid zones where other feed options might be scarce. Moreover, its hardy wood and dense thorns make it a candidate for natural fencing and protective barriers against both human and animal intrusion.
The legacy of Guajillo, reinforced by comprehensive research and a detailed bibliographic record, highlights its importance from both a botanical and an ecological perspective. Its presence from Arizona and Texas to Mexico stands as a testament to its resilience and vital role within these regions’ ecosystems.
Common Names
En: Guajillo, Huajilli, Berlandier’s acacia
Eng: berlandier acacia, guajillo
Spa: guajillo
Synonyms
- Acacia berlandieri (Benth.)
- Acacia tephroloba (A.Gray)
Distribution
- Arizona (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Texas (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Aug 9, 2019 by Brett Bissell someguy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − دائرة الحفاظ على الموارد الطبيعية.مكتب الدولة بولاية تكساس.الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية، ولاية تكساس ، ديل ريو، شمال المدينة. (public)
Taken Oct 17, 2020 by Alfredo Pais (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 10, 2019 by Masulli Andrea (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (public)
Leaf
Taken Mar 27, 2022 by Mario Rudy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 2, 2020 by borrego lore (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 11, 2020 by علاء (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 4, 2015 by EOL − Rivas Perez (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 16, 2022 by Víctor Gómez (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Fruit
Taken Oct 17, 2020 by Alfredo Pais (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 11, 2020 by علاء (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 4, 2014 by EOL − Carlos Velazco (cc-by-nc)
Habit
Taken Dec 10, 2013 by EOL − Brian-Sean Early (cc-by-nc)
Taken Feb 2, 2014 by EOL − Mary Gallo Limón (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 4, 2014 by EOL − Carlos Velazco (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 4, 2014 by EOL − Carlos Velazco (cc-by-nc)
Taken Nov 20, 2014 by EOL − Chuck Sexton (cc-by-nc)
Bark
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:234302-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Acacia berlandieri Benth.)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2980081)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2980082)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Shrub, Tree
