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: Heathlands Wattle

General Information

Acacia simsii is a shrub usually growing 1 - 4 metres tall, occasionally reaching 7 metres with 2 - 4 stems of small diameter growing from near ground level[, ], 1300. 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 as a source of materials. It is sometimes grown in soil reclamation and stabilization projects and is also grown as an ornamental.
The plant's ability to produce seed rapidly and form tickets suggests that it would be a potential weed on some sites[].The plant is classified as '' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

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

Australasia - New Guinea, Australia - Northern Territory, Queensland

Habitat

Usually grows in sand and gravel in eucalypt open forest and woodland, sometimes in closed heath, and sometimes forming closed scrub in disturbed areas. Found on gentle slopes and plains in coastal areas and inland on gently undulating terrain[].

Properties

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

Cultivation Details

Acacia simsii is a plant of the moist tropical zone, where it is found at elevations up to 800 metres. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 22 - 32°c, but can tolerate 10 - 40°c[]. Most of the area is frost-free but occasional light frosts are recorded on inland sites at higher elevations[]. It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 1,000 - 1,600mm, but tolerates 700 - 1,800mm[].
Requires a sunny position. Requires a sunny position, prefers a well-drained soil, and succeeds in dry conditions, most soil textures and in conditions of high to low fertility[, ]. Prefers a pH in the range 5 - 6, tolerating 4.5 - 6.5[].
A fast-growing plant when young - it can grow to around 4 metres within 4.5 years and can produce seed within 2 years from seed[]. It is short-lived, however, and often only lives for around 6 years[].
The plant can be grown as a garden ornament, suitable for coastl towns[].
Plants do not respond well to coppicing[].
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[].
This species is closely related to Acacia multisiliqua, and is also related to Acacia complanata and Acacia ramiflora[].

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 shrub is used in revegetation projects on bauxite mining sites[].
The plant is suitable for use for erosion control, and as a low windbreak[].

Other Uses

The large amount of relatively fine stem and branch wood is likely to be more suitable for direct use as firewood than conversion into charcoal[].

Propagation

Seed -

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