DAY 2 (PAGE 1)

This is the Weeping Acacia. I think it’s pretty “Cool”, being one of two trees I’ve spotted on this island. I named it for its resemblance to Acacia Trees, but I don't know if they're related!

IDENTIFICATION: The weeping Acacia is pretty easy to identify and spot. It is found in the grasslands of Salt Island. It grows to be around 10-20 ft tall. Long pink racemes hang from its branches. Its leaves are pinnate.

When you look closely at the leaves of the Weeping Acacia, they’re actually covered in little salt crystals! This is because the Weeping Acacia uses special salt glands to secrete excess salt. The salt crystalizes, and then gets blown away by the wind.

I got a little bit curious, and decided to snack on one of the leaves. That was a mistake! The leaf was quite bitter, but there was enough salt that the flavor was suppressed. I don’t really like salty or bitter foods so this experience wasn’t enjoyable. Not really insightful, either… I haven’t eaten enough leaves (or enough anything, really) to actually get anything out of this.

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