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:

General Information

Acacia hilliana is a semiprostrate, flat-topped or domed shrub, usually growing up to 1.5 metres tall but 1.2 - 4.5 metres wide[]. 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 plant is often used in land restoration projects within its native range, and also has good potential as an ornamental ground cover plant.

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 - Western Australia, Northern Territory

Habitat

Grows in skeletal, red loamy sand or sand on laterite or quartzite, on slopes or ridges, near creeks, inland sand dunes or rocky plains, in open woodland, shrubland or grassland with eucalypts, acacias and spinifex[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Shrub
Height	1.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Acacia hilliana is native to the arid and semi-arid regions of northwestern Australia.
Requires a sunny position in a well-drained soil. Grows in the wild on loamy sands, sands and skeletal sandy soils[].

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:

This species is used widely in the Pilbara land rehabilitation industry (northwestern Australia), especially on mine sites in the Hamersley Range[]
Horticulturally this species has good potential as a ground cover. It is very attractive when in flower due to the proliferation of long, erect spikes that project beyond the normally flat-topped crown; similarly, the pods are erect and when young are sticky resinous with a delicate aromatic odour[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - it 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. Germination takes place 1 - 3 weeks after sowing. Seedlings stay in the nursery for 6 - 8 months before being planted out[]. Direct sowing in the field is also possible[].
Seeds may remain viable for over 30 years[].

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