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 should retain the name Acacia, whilst other sections of the genus should be transferred to other genera. This species is transferred to Acaciella[].

Common Name: Amourette

General Information

Acaciella glauca is an open crowned, erect, unarmed shrub or small tree, usuallu growing 1 - 3 metres tall with some specimens to 5 metres and occasionally to 8 metres[, ].
The tree has been planted for the rehabilitation of degraded lands in Indonesia, it is a source of wood and is also used medicinally[]. The plant is commonly grown as an ornamental[].
The plant is classified as 'Vulnerable' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

When the plant is fed to grazing animals it can cause their hair to fall out[].
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

Southern Central America to the Caribbean.

Habitat

Secondary vegetation, especially on limestone, but also on non-calcareous soils[]. Locally common in thickets on gravel[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Conservation Status	Vulnerable
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Shrub
Height	3.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of low to moderate elevations in the tropics. It prefers dry climates and can even grow in areas with rainfall as low as 200 - 500mm per year[]. Optimum annual rainfall is around 1,200mm in Indonesia, where it can succeed at elevations up to 1,200 metres[]. It performs poorly under low temperature and does not tolerate frost[].
Requires a sunny position[]. Thrives especially on limestone, though is also found on neutral to slightly acid soil types[, ]. Succeeds in very poor soils[].
Often grown as an ornamental, the plant has escaped from cultivation and become established in the wild in many areas, In the Cook Islands, for example, it is classified as 'Invasive'[], whilst in Guam it can form thickets in abandoned clearings[].
Plants are fast-growing[]. Flowering and fruiting may start as early as 6 months and flowering can then occur throughout the year[].
The plant tolerates heavy pruning and repeated coppicing[, ].
The plant extends itself by root suckers from the comparatively superficial root system. It can reach a height of about 3 metres and diameter of 3 cm in 13 months[]. Growth is robust in the juvenile phase, it is often even stronger than in Leucaena leucocephala, but loses this advantage after 6 months[].
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

An infusion of the roots or leaves in vinegar and of the bark in water is used as a gargle to relieve sore throat and alleviate oral inflammations[].

A decoction of peeled branches with vinegar is taken as a cough remedy[].

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:

A fast-growing plant, fixing atmospheric nitrogen. It can be used as a pioneer species in disturbed soils, where it can produce conditions suitable for other trees to grow[]. The plant is often used to rehabilitate degraded and denuded lands and is planted to stabilize terrace ridges[].
It performs very well on poor soils and, in view of its unpalatability to livestock, its use as an alternative to Leucaenia leucocephala as a shrub legume to improve the soil deserves wider attention[]. It was originally planted as an undershrub in teak plantations in Indonesia[, ].
It has been grown experimentally as a shade crop for coffee and cacoa plantations[].
Fairly large branches root easily when stuck into the ground; the plant is not readily eaten by grazing animals; and it is tolerant of even heavy pruning - it is often used to make hedges in tropical areas of the world[].

Other Uses

The wood is used for making household tools[, ].
The wood is suitable for 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.
Root suckers.

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