Acacia maidenii

Acacia maidenii

Acacia maidenii, commonly known as Maiden's wattle, is a tree species in the family Fabaceae. It is native to Australia, specifically in the states of New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland. The species is named after Joseph Maiden, a renowned Australian botanist.

Description

Acacia maidenii is a medium to large tree that can grow up to 15 meters tall. The bark is smooth and grey, with older stems becoming rough and longitudinally fissured. The leaves are dark green, narrow, and elongated, with a length of 7-12 cm and a width of 1-3.5 cm. The flowers are small, yellow, and arranged in globular clusters.

Distribution and Habitat

Acacia maidenii is widely distributed in eastern Australia, from the Hunter River in New South Wales to southern Queensland. It is also found in the coastal regions of Victoria. The species prefers well-drained soils and is commonly found in open forests and woodlands.

Uses

The bark of Acacia maidenii contains a high concentration of alkaloids, including dimethyltryptamine, which has been used in traditional medicine and spiritual practices. The tree is also used for timber and as an ornamental plant due to its attractive foliage and flowers.

Conservation

Acacia maidenii is not currently listed as threatened under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC Act). However, like many native Australian species, it faces threats from habitat loss due to land clearing and urban development.

See Also

• List of Acacia species
• Flora of Australia