Investigation on some scientific characteristics and utilizations of Acacia tortilis (Forssk.)Hayne

Acacia totilis, flat topped or umbrella shaped tree up to 4 meters high, occurs at coast of Persian gulf and Oman sea in Hormozgan province , species often grows on the arid alluvial areas , belongs to Mimosaceae family with four subspecies and is very distinctive and very easily recognized with the characteristic of mixture of long straight spines and shorter hooked ones combined with spirally twisted pods . The sub species which grows naturally in south of Iran ,Hormozgan province is tortilis .In this work several aspects of this species were deal with .Two bruchidae species including Pachymerus acaciae and Bruchidius sahlbergi were collected and recognized for the first time on this species . Chemical compositions of edible parts sush as immature seeds ,fruits ,mature seeds and leaves showed that are more in rich in content of crude protein than alfalfa forage .The microscopic different sections of wood are described and flora of Acacia tortilis sites is reported . Vegetative regrowth begins in late August and the plant is covered by leaves in December and the defoliation starts in June. .The time of flowering begins from late April Approximately while plant flowers in June completely .This promising species is the best tree in stabilizing sand dunes and its shade reducing temperature and evapotranspiration in arid environments of area . This species is suitable for soil protection, reclaim waste lands and considered as a main source of animal food for cattle ,sheep and goats. Field observations have indicated a high acceptance of this plant fruits and tuigs by animals especially sheep and goats .Acacia tortilis is suitable for constructional purposes and miscellaneous uses such as sleepers , tool handles ,fence posts , agricultural implements , animals blocks , mallets heads and fuel wood. Key word: Acacia tortilis, Characterstics, Iran