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 julifera is a straggly, multi-stemmed shrub growing up to 3 metres tall, often becoming a tree up to 10 metres tall[, ]. 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 harvested from the wild for local use of its wood. It can be used as an ornamental, and can be grown in maritime regions in order to provide shelter.

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 - eastern Queensland

Habitat

Grows in coastal and subcoastal areas, often on sand-stone, in well-drained sandy soils in open eucalypt scrub-woodland or grassland[]. Subspecies gilbertense is also found in seasonally water-logged soils[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Shrub
Height	3.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Acacia julifera is a plant of the moist tropical to subtropical zone of eastern Australia, where it is found at elevations up to 250 metres. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 20 - 32°c, but can tolerate 10 - 38°c[]. When dormant, the plant can survive temperatures down to about -5°c, but young growth is more tender and can be severely damaged at -1°c[]. It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 800 - 1,100mm, but tolerates 500 - 1,200mm[].
Requires a sunny position in a well-drained soil, although subspecies gilbertense is also found in seasonally water-logged soils[]. Prefers a light to medium-textured soil, succeeding where the fertility is low[].Prefers a pH in the range 5 - 6, tolerating 4.5 - 6.5[].
The plant grows rapidly when young and can start flowering when around 13 months old[]. On a trial site in Queensland, plants averaged 7.5 metres in height and 12.4cm in basal diameter with 82% survival rate after 4.5 years[[]..
The plant responds well to coppicing and can produce 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 species should be suitable for shelter in coastal areas and it can be used as an ornamental[].

Other Uses

The wood can be used for posts, poles, or rails[, ].
The wood is suitable for firewood and charcoal[, ].

Propagation

Seed - it has a hard seedcoat and benefits from scarification before sowing in order to speed up and improve 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.
Seeds can store for 14 years at room temperature with only 11% loss of viability[].

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