SafePlants

Acacia pendula and Other Myall Species

This page provides information about several species of Myall trees native to Australia, focusing particularly on Acacia pendula, commonly known as Weeping Myall.

Considerations for Pets

• Some sources mention that Acacia pendula has hard wood.

Scientific Classification

• Family: Fabaceae (for Acacia papyrocarpa and Acacia pendula) or Mimosaceae (as a synonym for Acacia pendula)
• Genus: Acacia
• Species:
  • Acacia papyrocarpa
  • Acacia pendula
  • Acacia binervia

Common Names

• Acacia papyrocarpa: Western Myall
• Acacia pendula: Weeping Myall, True Myall, Boree, Nilyah, Balaar
• Acacia binervia: Coast Myall

Synonyms and Alternative Names

• Acacia pendula: Acacia abyssinica Hochst. ex Benth. (mentioned as related but possibly distinct)

Distribution and Habitat

• Acacia papyrocarpa: Found on arid and semi-arid pastoral lands of South and Western Australia, particularly on limestone plains.
• Acacia pendula: Native to Australia, distributed west of the Great Divide from Emerald in central Queensland south through New South Wales. Often found dominating open woodlands on clay soils.
• Acacia binervia: Native to New South Wales and Victoria.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Acacia pendula:
  • A pendulous tree growing up to 10 meters in height.
  • Has grey foliage and drooping branches.
  • Pale yellow ball-shaped flowers in winter.
  • Can grow to 25 feet tall and 15 feet wide.
• Acacia binervia: Can grow as a shrub or a tree reaching up to 16 meters in height.
• Acacia papyrocarpa: A small tree up to 7 meters tall with dark grey bark.

Ecological Role

• Acacia papyrocarpa: Seed dispersal is heavily influenced by ants.
• Acacia pendula woodland: Identified as a specific woodland type listed under environmental protection acts.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Ants remove seeds of Acacia papyrocarpa.

Quirky Facts

• The origin of the name "Myall" possibly dates back to 1835-45 and is believed to be derived from the Dharuk language.
• Acacia pendula wood was a valuable source of fuelwood during settlement.
• Acacia pendula yields very hard, strong wood.

Further Information

• Dave's Garden: A community forum for sharing gardening tips and ideas.
• Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden: Provides information on Acacia papyrocarpa.
• Myall Park Botanic Garden Ltd: Has conducted research on Acacia wardellii for over 30 years.