What is acacia cornigera?

Acacia cornigera, also known as Bullhorn Acacia or Horned Acacia, is a species of tree in the Fabaceae family that is native to Central America and Mexico. It is known for its symbiotic relationship with ants, which live in the hollowed-out thorns and protect the tree from herbivores. The ant species commonly associated with A. cornigera is Pseudomyrmex ferruginea.

The tree can reach heights of up to 20 meters and has distinctive large, sharp thorns that can be up to 10 cm long. The leaves are small and bipinnate, with 2-6 pairs of pinnae and 5-10 pairs of leaflets. The flowers are small and yellow, and the fruit is a long, slender pod that contains seeds.

A. cornigera has traditional medicinal uses in some cultures. Its bark and leaves have been used to treat ailments such as respiratory problems, fevers, and diarrhea. The tree's bark also contains tannins, which have been used for leather production.

In addition to their role in ant symbiosis, A. cornigera trees also provide a habitat for other insects, birds, and mammals. They are sometimes planted as ornamental trees due to their distinctive appearance and interesting symbiotic relationships.