Tribal Roots Finder

The Ark of the Covenant was made from the wood of this tree. There is also evidence that this tree was the dwelling place of the Egyptian god Osiris. It was venerated by all the Semitic peoples and symbolized the idea of life arising out of death…

The Acacia has been a symbol of stability and resilience since biblical times and is mentioned in the Book of Exodus and the Book of Isaiah The tree is still found in many areas of Africa and has long been a symbol of that land as well as a potent symbol for many cultures.
Isaiah, in recounting the promises of God’s mercy to the Israelites on their return from the captivity, tells them that, among other things, he will plant in the wilderness, for their relief and refreshment, the cedar, the acacia (or, as it is rendered in our common version, the shittah), the fir, and other trees.

In barren lands the Acacia finds the resources it needs to flourish and enhances the landscape. The Acacia is develop long tap roots very quickly and is thus drought resistant. It also tolerates a wide range of climate and soil conditions and survives through drought, dryness, and famine. It is a strong tree, which provides shelter for wild animals from the soaring heat of the sun, and it also provides food and nourishment.

It is an important food source for bees, since its flowers provide nectar at the close of the rainy season, when most plants in the savannah do not. Acacia honey is considered a delicacy, appreciated for its mild flowery taste, soft running texture and glass-like appearance. Acacia honey is one of the few honeys that does not crystallize. Parts of the tree are used to treat respiratory infections, digestive problems, malaria and fevers.

The wood of the acacia tree is hard and durable, which makes it perfect for building. In the past, it was used for treenails in shipbuilding, and today it’s used for furniture and flooring.

The Greek name for Acacia means thorny. In mythology the acacia tree symbolizes immortality, resurrection and honor. It is also one of the most powerful symbols in freemasonry, representing the eternal soul and purity of the soul. Egyptian mythology has associated the acacia tree with characteristics of the tree of life The Hebrews always planted a sprig of acacia at the head of the grave of a departed friend.

There are roughly 1300 species of Acacia worldwide. Acacias are found in Africa, southern Asia, Australia and the Americas. (Note: The flower of Acacia pycnantha wattle is Australia’s national floral emblem. There are more than 900 species of Acacia in Australia, making it the largest genus in the Australian flora.)

The Acacia is the national tree of Equatorial Guinea and the Central African Republic in Central Africa, Djibouti, Tanzania and Uganda in East Africa, the Sudan (North Africa) and Botswana in South Africa. The Black Catholic Network, Congress and ministries have adopted the Acacia tree as its symbol.

NOTE: The Emirates Wildlife Society and World Wildlife Fund have launched a campaign to protect a “cousin” of the Acacia, the Ghaf. A true desert survivor, the Ghaf’s tree's very long roots reach water from subterranean sources beyond the grasp of other plants. This native species is rapidly disappearing from Arabia’s desert environs. The Ghaf is the UAE’s national tree and belongs to the same family as the Acacia.