Black Wattle ( Acacia mearnsii ) is a fast growing evergreen tree. It is native to South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania. In its natural landscape it provides native fauna with both food and shelter but is a threat to wildlife in many countries, where it is classified as an invasive species.
Other common names for the Acacia mearnsii are Acacia negra and Australian Acacia.
Acacia mearnsii is grown commercially for tannin production and has been introduced to Japan, China, Africa, southern Europe, India, Taiwan, New Zealand and Madagascar. The timber from Black Wattle is a great source of firewood and is used to make fence posts and handles for tools. Large quantities of wood chips are cultivated and exported from South Africa to produce chipboard.
Growth
Black Wattle is an evergreen tree and grows to an average 10 metres in height. Its bark matures to a black colour, which is where it most likely gets its common name. The olive-coloured leaves of this tree are tiny, growing to 5 mm in length, its light yellow flowers attract bees from spring to summer.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Fabaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate, Sub Tropical and Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
0 to 40°C / 32 to 104°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining soil.
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Part Shade
HEIGHT:
Up to 15 metres (50 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 10 metres (32 feet)
pH:
5.0-7.2
GROWTH TYPE:
Evergreen
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low
POLLINATION:
Bees and other insects – self pollinating
MATURITY:
4-6 years
GERMINATION RATES:
82%
GERMINATION TIME:
2-8 weeks
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 70
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes
EDIBLE:
Seeds
SEED STORGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 2 years.
FACTS ABOUT ACACIA MEARNSII (Black Wattle)
The seeds of Acacia mearnsii are edible, they can be roasted and eaten, A nutty flavour is the best way to describe it, some say they have a coffee-chocolatey taste.
Black Wattles are often used to re-vegetate areas affected by bush fire and deforestation. Their ability to quickly improve soil quality and to stabilise any erosion in these locations, makes them perfect for this.
Across the world, mining companies use Acacia mearnsii for land recovery purposes after closing a site. The Black Wattle has been labelled one of the most invasive species on earth outside of its natural habitat, due to its weed like growth.
