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 Senegalia[].

Common Name:

General Information

Senegalia polyphylla is a spiny deciduous or semideciduous tree with a dense, roundish crown; it can grow 15 - 20 metres tall. The straight, cylindrical bole can be free of branches for up to 9 metres and 40 - 60cm in diameter[, ].
The tree is harvested from the wild for its wood. A fast-growing species, it can be used as a pioneer when restoring woodland. An ornamental tree providing a good shade, it can be used in landscaping[].

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

S. America - Chile, Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia; C. America - Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala to Mexico.

Habitat

Broadleaved, semideciduous forests, usually in the more open, secondary growth; favouring the tops and sides of hills and dry, stony soils[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Semi-deciduous Tree
Height	18.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Requires a sunny position[]. Succeeds in poor, dry and stony soils[]. Established plants are drought tolerant[].
A very fast-growing tree, able to reach a height of 4 - 5 metres within 2 years from seed[].
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

The inner bark yields a small amount of sweet, yellowish resin[]. This report does not specifically state that the resin (probably a gum[]) is edible, but it is very likely to be so[].

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:

A fast-growing, shade-providing tree. It makes a good pioneer species for planting when restoring woodland or establishing a woodland garden[].
The tree is sometimes allowed to stay as a shade tree when clearing forest for coffee plantations[].

Other Uses

The bark is a source of tannins[].

The heartwood is a pale brown or yellowish, with a greyish cast caused by stain; it is not clearly demarcated from the narrow band of light-brown sapwood. The texture is medium; the grain is straight; there is no pronounced taste or aroma. The wood is moderately heavy, soft but with reasonable mechanical properties. It is easy to work with hand tools and can be easily polished. It is used for cabinet making, lathe work, construction and indoor work[, , , ].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a partially shaded position in a nursery seedbed or in individual containers. A germination rate in excess of 90% for fresh seed can be expected, with the seed sprouting within 4 - 8 days[]. When the seedbed-sown seedlings are 3 - 5cm tall, pot them up into individual containers and they should be ready to plant out less than 4 months later[].
Like many species within the family Fabaceae , once they have been dried for storage the seeds of this species may benefit from scarification before sowing in order 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[].

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