Black Wattle, Late black wattle

Acacia mearnsii

Basic Information

Family: Fabaceae

Genus: acacia

Plant ID (slug): acacia-mearnsii

Numeric ID: 21186

USDA Hardiness: 8-11

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Acacia mearnsii is an evergreen Tree growing to 10 m (32ft) by 8 m (26ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. The flowers are pollinated by Bees, insects. The plant is self-fertile. It can fix Nitrogen. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant is not wind tolerant.

Distribution

Australia - New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed Edible Uses: Edible portion: Gum, Seeds. The gum is eaten and dissolved in water and used to make drinks.

Medicinal Uses

Dysentery The bark is rich in tannins and so can be used in the many ways that astringents can be employed such as to treat diarrhoea and dysentery, to treat haemorrhoids, stop internal bleeding, bathe cuts and abrasions, as a mouthwash to tighten the teeth in the gums etc[413 ].