Robinia

Robinia, a genus of trees and shrubs of the natural order Leguminosæ, sub-order Papilionacæ. The most important species is the Locust Tree (q.v.), also known as the False Acacia, or Thorn Acacia, often simply designated Acacia. It is a native of North America, extending from Canada to the southern states, and is there much valued for the hardness and durability of its timber. With it, it is alleged, the houses of the Pilgrim Fathers were built, and the city of Boston founded. When green it is of soft texture, but when mature and seasoned it rivals the oak for strength and durability. It is close grained and finely veined, and in America is the most valued of all timbers for cabinet-work. On account of its quick growth, its spines, and its property of submitting to be clipped into any form, it is very suitable for hedges. In the south of Europe it succeeds well as a timber-tree, but in more northern regions it suffers from frost in severe winters; and in Britain it often suffers from frost, owing to the imperfect ripening of the wood in summer. It does not readily rot in water, and is used for shipbuilding. The tree is very ornamental, and of rapid growth. The flowers are fragrant and white, in large pendulous racemes. In San Domingo its flowers are used for making a distilled liquor and a syrup. The roots throw up many suckers, and are very sweet, affording an extract resembling liquorice.—R. viscosa is a smaller tree, but even more ornamental, a native of the south-western parts of the Alleghany Mountains. It has rose-coloured scentless flowers. The young branches are viscid.—The Rose Acacia (R. hispida) is a native of the south-western ranges of the Alleghanies, and is a highly ornamental shrub, with hispid branches, and large rose-coloured scentless flowers.