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: Tooroo

General Information

Acacia rothii is a tree with an open crown; it can grow 6 - 12 metres tall. The trunk is moderately straight.[, ]. 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 has been harvested from the wild for local use of its wood. It has potential as a biomass crop and is also used in soil reclamation projects.
The plant's persistance makes it a potential weed under some conditions[].

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 - northern Queensland

Habitat

Low hills and gently undulating to almost level plains, growing in loam, sand and lateritic red earth in eucalypt communities, and occasionally in vine thickets; at elevations up to 800 metres[, ].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Tree
Height	9.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Acacia rothii is a plant of the moist tropicl zone of northeastern Australia, where it is found at elevations up to 800 metres. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 24 - 34°c, but can tolerate 15 - 40°c[]. It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 1,400 - 1,600mm, but tolerates 1,200 - 1,700mm[].
Requires a sunny position in a dry to moist, well-drained soil. Prefers a soil of medium to light texture, succeeding where fertility levels are low[]. Prefers a pH in the range 5 - 6.5, tolerating 4.5 - 7[].
The plant is fairly fast-growing on infertile, sandy sites[]. Plants in north Queensland have grown 3 metres tall in two years from seed]1300].
The plant usually responds well to coppicing and also produces root 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 has been very successful for revegetating open-cut bauxite mining sites[].

Other Uses

The heartwood is dark red-brown; it is clearly demarcated from a narrow band of pale sapwood. Other properties are not known. It has been used traditionally for making spear heads and woomeras[].
The dense wood can be used as 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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