Texas Ebony Bonsai Tree
(pithecolobium flexicaule)

Acacia/Mimosa family. Native to Texas and Mexico and is ideal for dry indoor locations. The short branches are clothed in tiny dark green, bi-pinnate (compound) leaflets and make a wide rounded canopy which casts a filtered shade below. The leaves fold up at night or in subdued light. Touching the leaves does not put it to sleep as with some Mimosa. Short thorns are interspersed among the branches. From June to August it is decorated with dense, plume-like spikes of very fragrant, light yellow to white blossoms at the end of its branches. Dark brown woody seed capsules follow the blooms and persist on the tree for weeks. In Mexico these seed pods are eaten and the shells roasted and used as a coffee substitute. Great bonsai for indoors.