SafePlants

Acacia maidenii - Maiden's Wattle

Acacia maidenii, commonly known as Maiden's Wattle, is a fast-growing tree species with a variety of uses. It is valued for its hardiness and ornamental qualities.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that some Acacia species have thorns, suggesting caution if pets interact with the plant.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Acacia maidenii F.Muell.
• Common Name: Maiden's Wattle
• Family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae)
• Synonyms: Racosperma maidenii (F.Muell.) Pedley
• Taxonomic Serial Number (TSN): 820149

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to Australia, specifically New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria.
• Has been introduced into India.

Morphological Characteristics

• Erect or spreading tree, typically reaching 5-20 meters in height, though some individuals can grow up to 15 meters.
• Bark is smooth, becoming fissured on older stems, and is typically grey.
• Phyllodes (modified leaf structures) are lanceolate, growing up to 20 cm long and 1-3 cm wide.
• Cream rod-like flowers occur in summer.
• Described as a large shrub or small tree, typically 4-8 meters tall, with a well-defined main stem and many branches forming a rounded crown.

Ecological Role

• Nitrogen-fixing: This species contributes to soil fertility by converting atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form for plants.

Quirky Facts

• Acacia trees don't have leaves they have phyllodes instead

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Mention of potential DMT content in bark and its use in extraction processes suggests interactions with human activities related to psychoactive substances.

Additional Information

• Information can be found in the Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN), U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service.
• South African National Biodiversity Institute, Compton Herbarium, Cape Town (SAM) maintains herbarium records.