Singapore Government Logo

A Singapore Government Agency Website

Acacia auriculiformis

Back

Acacia auriculiformis A. Cunn. ex Benth.

Family Name: Fabaceae (Leguminosae)
Common Name: Acacia-tree, Earleaf Acacia, Black Wattle, Wattle, Bunga Siam, Akasia Kuning, Yellow Wattle, Ear-pod Wattle, Northern Black Wattle, Papua Wattle, 大叶相思, 耳叶相思

Name

Family Name
Genus Epithet
Species Epithet
Name Authority
Name Status (botanical)
Common Names
Comments

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Division Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants)
Plant Growth Form Tree (Medium (16m-30m))
Lifespan (in Singapore) Perennial
Mode of Nutrition Autotrophic
Plant Shape Irregular
Maximum Height 30 m

Biogeography

Native Distribution Indonesia, New Guinea, Northern Australia
Preferred Climate Zone Tropical

Description and Ethnobotany

Others - Plant Morphology Tree only has leaves at seedling stage. Leaves reduced to flattened leaf stalks called phyllodes, an adaptation to drought and hot climate. Phyllodes are green and serve as leaves. Grown on wastelands as it contains nitrogen-fixing bacteria which can rejuvenate soils poor in nutrients. Prevents soil erosion due to extensive dense roots and heavy leaf litter. Popularity waning in Singapore due to large amount of fallen leaves.
Ethnobotanical Uses Food (Herb or Spice)
Others: Ornamental plant which is also used for charcoal. Root decoction used to treat aches, pains and sore eyes. Bark infusion used to treat rheumatism.

Landscaping Features

Desirable Plant Features Ornamental Flowers, Fragrant (Flowers) (Day)
Landscape Uses Coastal, General, Shade Providing Tree / Palm

Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal

Fauna Pollination Dispersal Associated Fauna Bird-Attracting
Pollination Method(s) Biotic (Fauna) (Insects (Bee), Insects (Butterfly, Moth), Insects (Ant, Beetle, Fly, Thrip, Wasp))
Seed or Spore Dispersal Abiotic (Explosive Dehiscence), Biotic (Fauna)

Plant Care and Propagation

Light Preference Full Sun
Water Preference Moderate Water
Plant Growth Rate Fast
Rootzone Tolerance Poor Infertile Soils, Waterlogged Soils (Drains Site), Saline Soils / Salt Spray, Alkaline high pH Soils, Disease / Pest Resistant, Drought Tolerant
Maintenance Requirements Moderate
Diseases No major problems except for insect and nematode attacks on seedlings.
Pest(s) Associated with, Nematodes
Propagation Method Seed, Stem Cutting
Planting Distance 2

Foliar

Foliage Retention Evergreen
Mature Foliage Colour(s) Green
Mature Foliage Texture(s) Raised / Sunken Veins
Foliar Modification Reduced / Needle-like
Foliar Type Simple / Unifoliate
Foliar Shape(s) Non-Palm Foliage (Elliptical, Falcate / Curved)
Foliar Venation Parallel
Foliar Margin Entire
Foliar Apex - Tip Acute
Typical Foliar Area Notophyll ( 20.25cm2 - 45 cm2 )
Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio 3.0 (Tree - Intermediate Canopy)

Non - Foliar and Storage

Trunk Type (Non Palm) Woody
Stem Type & Modification Woody, Cladode

Floral (Angiosperm)

Flower & Plant Sexuality Bisexual Flowers
Flower Colour(s) Yellow / Golden
Inflorescence Type Raceme
Flowering Period Free-Flowering
Flowering Habit Polycarpic

Fruit, Seed and Spore

Mature Fruit Colour(s) Brown
Fruit Classification Simple Fruit
Fruit Type Dehiscent Dry Fruit , Legume / Pod

Image Repository

Images

Others

Master ID 1400
Species ID 2693
Flora Disclaimer The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes.
Species record last updated on: 06 March 2023.
Share