Africa #3

The acacia tree has developed unique and sophisticated ways to protect itself. The pointed thorns shield the small leaves from being eaten and furthermore the leaves can emit a toxic chemical in case it is “attacked”. This poison can be unpleasant for some animal species and along with the poison, the tree can also produce ethylene gas that can spread at up to 50 meters as a warning, causing the neighbours to start producing their own poison. The large crown is an evolutionary adaptation and gives the small leaves maximum utilization of sunlight.