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: Queensland Silver Wattle

General Information

Acacia podalyriifolia is an evergreen shrub or small tree with a moderately dense crown; it can grow from 2 - 6 metres tall[]. Although it produces leaves as a seedling, llike most members of the genus the mature plant does not have true leaves but has leaf-like flattened stems called phyllodes[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and source of materials. It is a good ornamental, it is often grown in gardens, providing low shelter and a windbreak[, ].
The species seeds freely and may tend to become invasive in natural bushland areas. It should not be planted in gardens in the vicinity of such areas[].

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

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Range

Australia - New South Wales, Queensland

Habitat

Hills and rocky ridges[]. In the north of its range this species is more or less restricted to sandstone hills in open Eucalyptus forest, but in the south it occurs on rocks of various types[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	3.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of the warm temperate to subtropical zones, where it is found at elevations up to 700 metres. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 18 - 32°c, but can tolerate 10 - 40°c[]. When dormant, the plant can survive temperatures down to about -5°c, but young growth can be severely damaged at 0°c[]. Plants can resprout from the base if they are cut back by frost[]. It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 700 - 1,000mm, but tolerates 500 - 1,200mm[].
Prefers a sandy loam and a very sunny position[]. Succeeds in any good, well-drained garden soil that is not excessively limey[, ]. Prefers a pH in the range 5 - 6, tolerating 4.5 - 6.5[]. Many members of this genus become chlorotic on limey soils[]. Can succeed in a hot dry position in a mixed border[].
A fast-growing plant when young with annual increments in height of over 1 metre. It can flower in its second year from seed[, ].
A very ornamental tree[], it can be pruned back hard after flowering in order to induce good flowering the following year[].
Plants can flower and produce fruit all year round in suitable climates[].
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

Flowers - cooked[]. Rich in pollen, they are often used in fritters[]. The flowers have a delicate sweet perfume[].

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:

When planted on steep slopes or other fragile soil systems, the extensive root system of this plant binds the soil together and helps to prevent erosion[].
The plant has a dense, thorny growth. It can be used to provide low shelter and protection from the wind[].
A good source of pollen for bees[].

Other Uses

A yellow dye is obtained from the flowers[].
A green dye is obtained from the seed pods[].

The bark has a moderate tannin content[, ]. 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[].

The pinkish wood is nicely marked[]. Although of small dimensions, it can sometimes be large enough to be used for posts, rails, small joinery items etc[].
The wood is sometimes used as a low quality firewood[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a sunny position in a warm greenhouse[].The dried seed of most, if not all, members of this genus has a hard seedcoat and may benefit from scarification before sowing to speed up germination. This can usually be done by pouring a small amount of nearly boiling water on the seeds (being careful not to cook them!) and then soaking them for 12 - 24 hours in warm water. By this time they should have imbibed moisture and swollen - if they have not, then carefully make a nick in the seedcoat (being careful not to damage the embryo) and soak for a further 12 hours before sowing. 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[].
Cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel, mid summer in individual pots in a frame[]. Overwinter in a greenhouse for the first winter and plant out in their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. Fair percentage[].