Acacia sericophylla

Cultivation Details

Acacia sericophylla is widespread across the central arid zone of subtropical and tropical Australia^[2]. Requires a sunny position. The plant is well-adapted to grow on infertile sandy soils that are not adapted to conventional food crops^[3]. Established plants are drought tolerant^[4]. Trees have a slow to moderate rate of growth^[4]. A fairly long-lived tree, able to produce seed crops for many decades^[3]. Plants usually regenerate from the base following fire and can also produce suckers^[4]. This species would be a useful ornamental for inland plantings in drier areas on account of its unusual growth form^[4]. 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^[3]. 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^[5]. Until recently this species was regarded as a subspecies of Acacia coriacea, but is now treated as a distinct species. Although these two species are sometimes difficult to separate from herbarium material, they have very distinctive field faces. Acacia coriacea is most reliably distinguished from Acacia sericophylla by its thinner, fibrous (not thick and corky) bark, but there are other characters such as growth form, pod curvature, peduncle length and habitat preference^[4].