The tall and noble fir. The traditional and sturdy oak. The small and elegant birch. So, what about the acacia, our block of the week? Well, um, it is definitely the most … orange … tree you can find in Minecraft PE.
Acacia first began to grow in the blocky landscapes of MCPE on October 21, 2013, as part of snapshot 13w43a, and it has remained unchanged since then. It thrives among tall grass and herds of horses in the savanna biome, lazily stretching towards the sky. Acacia trees stand about 8 blocks high with unique diagonal trunks and flat leaf canopies that make them easily noticeable from a distance.
There are three different types of acacia, each requiring an empty space of 7 blocks above the sapling for growth. Cut one down, and you’ll witness its orange splendor. Or, if you’re not inclined to chop down trees “just to see what’s inside,” head over to a savanna village in Minecraft PE, which primarily consists of acacia wood.
Acacia in the real world differs significantly from its representation in Minecraft Pocket Edition. This name actually belongs to a vast family of plants comprising over 1300 species, including shrubs, bushes, and true trees. The ones we recognize in Minecraft PE seem to be based on two distinct real-world plant species. The flowering wood is likely modeled after the bright orange inner surfaces of the Acacia Koa tree found in Hawaii.
On the other hand, the structure of the tree resembles the South African Vachellia erioloba, also known as the “camel thorn” tree, which features dark reddish-brown wood and a beautiful leafy canopy that you will surely recognize while wandering through the savanna biome in Minecraft PE. This form evolved because it allowed the tree to capture maximum sunlight with minimal foliage.
The relationship between humanity and acacia has come a long way. The first named species, now known as Vachellia nilotica, was identified by the early Greek botanist Pedanius Dioscorides, who published a book on herbal medicine between 50 and 70 AD. It was named after ακις – the Greek word meaning thorns that covered its branches and has numerous applications. In some regions, it is used for animal fodder, while in others, its twigs serve as toothbrushes. The thorns also mean it makes for excellent fencing.
However, the most useful product we can derive from the acacia tree is “gum arabic,” which is hardened sap from the tree. Gum arabic is utilized everywhere—from stabilizing food items like marshmallows, Coca-Cola, and round candies, to watercolor paint, photography, winemaking, shoemaking, and even as sticky glue on the backs of stamps.
In fact, it’s quite convenient that people have been collecting it since ancient Egyptian times. So, the next time you see the savanna biome battling against the desert, with a desert temple featuring a pyramid on one side and a sprouting acacia on the other, take a moment to reflect that you are witnessing a digital version of a scene humans have observed for millennia. How about connecting with your roots?
