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: Maiden's Wattle

General Information

Acacia maidenii is a tall shrub or a tree, often freely branched from near the ground and forming a rounded crown; it usually grows 4 - 8 metres tall, but can reach 20 metres with a bole 30 - 40cm in diameter[, , ]. Although it produces true leaves as a seedling, like 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 tree is harvested fom the wild for local use as a source of materials. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental and to provide shade.

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 - northeastern Victoria, New South Wales, southeastern Queensland

Habitat

Coastal and subcoastal environments, usually growing in more fertile soils, sometimes derived from basalt, often on the edges of littoral rainforest; at elevations up to 300 metres, occasionally to 900 metres[, ].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Tree
Height	8.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Acacia maidenii is a plant of the moist, warm temperate and subtropical zones of eastern Australia, where it is found at elevations up to 900 metres. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 17 - 32°c, but can tolerate 10 - 38°c[]. When dormant, the plant can survive temperatures down to about -5°c, but young growth is more tender and can be severely damaged at -1°c[]. It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 900 - 1,200mm, but tolerates 600 - 1,300mm[].
Requires a sunny position in a well-drained soil[]. Succeeds in a range of soil textures from sandy to clay[]. Prefers a pH in the range 5.5 - 6.5, tolerating 5 - 7[].
A fast-growing tree that can be relatively short-lived[]. In one trial in Queensland, the tree gave excellent survival (99%) and reasonable growth performance (mean height of 4.4 metres and mean diameter at ground level of 9.7cm) when assessed at two years[].
The good shape and relatively dense foliage of this species make it suitable for amenity use and to provide shade[].
The seeds of most acacia species can be quickly and efficiently harvested at full maturity without the need for any specialised equipment. Small seed-bearing branches can be cut and beaten on sheets, or bushes can be beaten or shaken directly onto large sheets[].
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[].
This species is related to Acacia floribunda and Acacia longifolia[].

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 tree can provide shade and shelter[].

Other Uses

The bark is an inferior source of tannins[, ].
Bark harvested for its tannins should only be taken from mature stems, and only when the sap is rising at the beginning of the growing season - which is when the tannin content is highest and the bark is most easily removed from the wood[].

A gum is obtained from the trunk and branches[].

The wood is light in weight, fairly hard. It can be used for small joinery but is not considered suitable for use as a construction timber[, ].
The wood is good fuel[]. It was formerly used in bakers' ovens[].

Propagation

Seed -