Classification of the genus Acacia (in the wider sense) has been subject to considerable debate. It is generally agreed that there are valid reasons for breaking it up into several distinct genera, but there has been disagreement over the way this should be done. As of 2017, it is widely (but not completely) accepted that the section that includes the majority of the Australian species (including this one) should retain the name Acacia, whilst other sections of the genus should be transferred to the genera Acaciella, Mariosousa, Senegalia and Vachellia[].

Common Name:

General Information

Acacia colletioides is a prickly, much-branched shrub usually growing 50 - 300cm tall and wide, often maturing into a single-stemmed tree 3 - 4 metres tall with a dense canopy occupying 50% of the total plant height[, ]. Although it produces true leaves as a seedling, llike most members of this section of the genus, the mature plant does not have true leaves but has leaf-like flattened stems called phyllodes[].
The plant has been used in the past as a source of tannins. It can be grown in soil stabilization projects and can be used to form effective barrier hedges.

Known Hazards

Especially in times of drought, many Acacia species can concentrate high levels of the toxin Hydrogen cyanide in their foliage, making them dangerous for herbivores to eat.

Botanical References

Range

Australia - southern Western Australia, South Australia, New South Wales, northwestern Victoria

Habitat

Usually found as scattered individuls in mallee scrub or open woodland, growing in a variety of soils[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Shrub
Height	2.50 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Acacia colletioides is native to the warm temperate zone of southern Australia, where it can experience frosts in many parts of its range.
Requires a sunny position. The plant grows in a variety of soils in the wild, but most commonly in calcareous sands or sandy loams[]. Established plants are drought tolerant[].
This species is closely related to Acacia nyssophylla[].
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria; these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The bark of all Acacia species contains greater or lesser quantities of tannins and are astringent. Astringents are often used medicinally - taken internally, for example. they are used in the treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery, and can also be helpful in cases of internal bleeding. Applied externally, often as a wash, they are used to treat wounds and other skin problems, haemorrhoids, perspiring feet, some eye problems, as a mouth wash etc[, ].
Many Acacia trees also yield greater or lesser quantities of a gum from the trunk and stems. This is sometimes taken internally in the treatment of diarrhoea and haemorrhoids[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant has been used as a pioneer species for revegetating land in southern Australia. It has also been used in reclaiming waste land in goldfields areas, though has not always proved to be successful in this[].
With its low, spreading habit, this species has some potential for use in soil stabilization projects[].
With its large spreading growth form, entangled branches and prickly foliage, it has good potential for use as a barrier hedge - if it were combined with Acacia tetragonophylla, a particularly effective live fence could be produced[].
In New South Wales this species is regarded as a useful honey plant, with the best production following a wet winter[].

Other Uses

The bark of very old plants has been reported as having been used as a source of tannins[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a sunny position in a warm greenhouse[]. Unlike most acacias, the seeds of this species have a thin seedcoat and will usually germinate without pretreatment. The use of boiling water to hasten germination can be harmful[]. Sow the seed in Spring in a greenhouse. As soon as the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots and grow them on in a sunny position in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts, and consider giving them some protection from the cold for their first winter outdoors.
Acacia seeds that have matured fully on the bush and have been properly dried have a hard seed coat and can be stored in closed containers without deterioration for 5 - 10 years or more in dry conditions at ambient temperatures. It is best to remove the aril, which attracts weevils and can lead to moulds forming. The arils are easilyremoved by placing the seeds in water and rubbing them between the hands, then drying the seeds and winnowing them[].