Roman cassie
StarVachellia caven
Synonyms: Acacia adenopa, Mimosa cavenia, Vachellia farnesiana f. stenocarpa, Acacia cavenia, Mimosa caven, Acacia farnesiana var. cavenia, Inga caven, Acacia ibirocayensis, Acacia caven var. macrocarpa, Vachellia ibirocayensis, Vachellia farnesiana f. brachypoda, Vachellia farnesiana f. cavenia, Vachellia farnesiana f. micrantha, Vachellia farnesiana f. microcarpa, Acacia aromatica, Vachellia farnesiana f. inermis, Vachellia farnesiana f. armata, Acacia caven, Acacia farnesiana var. brachicarpa, Acacia farnesiana f. cavenia, Acacia caven var. stenocarpa, Acacia caven var. dehiscens, Acacia caven var. microcarpa, Acacia caven var. sphaerocarpa
Western Herbalism Properties
Traditional Uses
In Chilean and Argentine folk medicine Vachellia caven is valued for its astringent, tannin-rich bark and fruit, used in small doses to heal wounds and ulcers and as an antidote in cases of poisoning (Chilean traditional use). In Argentine folk medicine the bark is applied as an astringent for injuries and bruises, while the leaves and seeds are used for rheumatism, as a blood cleanser and for digestive problems; flower infusions and decoctions are widely drunk as an anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic remedy by communities of arid Argentina (Cariddi et al., 2021).
Gallery
Botanical Description
Vachellia caven (formerly Acacia caven), known as espino, churqui or Roman cassie, is a small thorny tree or shrub of the family Fabaceae (subfamily Caesalpinioideae, mimosoid clade) native to temperate and subtropical South America, including central Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia and southern Brazil, where it dominates open savanna-like 'espinal' formations on dry plains and slopes. It grows to about 2 to 6 metres tall, with a spreading crown, dark fissured bark and zigzagging branches armed with paired straight white spines at the nodes. The leaves are small and bipinnate, with numerous tiny leaflets that fold in dry or cool conditions. In spring it produces abundant, intensely fragrant, globose flower heads of bright golden-yellow flowers. The fruit is a thick, dark, more or less cylindrical indehiscent pod that is rich in tannins. The tree is highly drought-tolerant and an important component of arid South American scrub.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
📝 Notes
Public notes from the community and your own private notes on Roman cassie.
No notes yet.