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black wattle

Scientific Name: Acacia mearnsii

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Tree, Shrub

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Black Wattle (Acacia mearnsii)

The common name "Black Wattle" refers to several Acacia species native to Australia. One prominent species is Acacia mearnsii, scientifically known as Acacia mearnsii De Wild.

Considerations for Pets

  • Black Wattle has seeds that are very tough and can survive fires, floods and droughts.
  • Black Wattle can grow in degraded soils.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Acacia mearnsii De Wild.
  • Family: Fabaceae (mentioned in the context of economic value)
  • Synonyms:
    • Acacia decurrens Willd. var. mollis Lindl
    • Acacia mollissima hort. ex Willd.

Common Names

  • Black Wattle
  • Accia-negra (Portuguese)
  • Australian acacia
  • Australische Akazie (German)
  • Swartwattel (Afrikaans)
  • Uwatela (Zulu)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to Australia.
  • Introduced to many different parts of the world.

Ecological Role

  • Considered one of the worst invasive species in the world.

Morphological Characteristics

  • An evergreen tree growing 5-10m high.
  • Has dark olive-green finely hairy leaves.

Uses

  • Initially used in the production of tannins due to the high tannin content in its bark.

Quirky Facts

  • Black Wattle seeds are exceptionally resilient, capable of withstanding fires, floods, droughts, and even bulldozers.
  • The plant can thrive in extremely degraded soils.

Further Information

  • Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust: http://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/
  • Encyclopedia of Life: Includes comprehensive descriptions and articles about Acacia mearnsii.
  • Victorian Department of Primary Industry Agriculture Notes: http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/dpi/ (Search for Black Wattle for Farm Forestry online pdf file)