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: Rose Wattle

General Information

Acacia fasciculifera is an evergreen tree with a dense canopy; it usually grows up to 10 metres tall, though it can reach 20 metres in favourable sites. The boles of larger trees can be up to 60cm in diameter[]. When growing in open situations on less favourable sites, the main stem may only be dominant for half tree height and is frequently
crooked[]. 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 tree is harvested from the wild, mainly for local use, for its wood.

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 - Queensland

Habitat

Found in open Eucalyptus forest on ridges or along creeks, or with Acacia harpophylla[]. Larger trees are found in valleys, along watercourses and on the lower slopes of hills; at elevations up to 500 metres[, ]

Properties

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

Cultivation Details

Acacia fasciculifera is a plant of the subtropical to tropical zone of eastern Australia, where it is found at elevations up to 500 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 -2°c, but young growth is more tender can be severely damaged at -1°c[]. It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 675 - 800mm, but tolerates 550 - 850mm[]. It can withstand a dry season of up to 3 months[]
Requires a sunny position[]. Grows best in a well-drained soil of light to medium texture[]. Prefers a pH in the range 5.5 - 6.5, tolerating 4.5 - 7.5[]. Established plants are drought tolerant[].
The flowers are sweetly perfumed but the smell is different from the normal wattle scent[].
The plant can be coppiced and also produces suckers[].
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 tree can be planted for shade and as an ornamentel[].

Other Uses

The heartwood is reddish-brown. The wood is close-grained, very hard, heavy and tough. Easily worked, it can be used as building material when large enough, otherwise for posts, and poles[, ].
The wood has a high air-dry density of 1120 kg/m3, and should make satisfactory fuel[]

Propagation

The 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.
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[].

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