Acacia dunnii
Contents
General Plant Info
Acacia dunnii, also called the "Elephant Ear Wattle" for it's distinctively large phyllodes. It has the LARGEST phyllodes of all acacias
It is an erect, slender, sparsely branched shrub or tree, which grows to 1.5 to 7m high
Skeletal soils over sandstone, basalt or quartzite. Ridges, stony hills, amongst rocks
Geographic distribution
A very interesting species, it is native from northern Western Australia, and is also found in the Kimberleys in the Northern Territory. It has been also introduced to West Africa
Beard’s Provinces: Northern Province. IBRA Regions: Central Kimberley, Northern Kimberley, Ord Victoria Plain, Victoria Bonaparte. IBRA Subregions: Berkeley, Mitchell, Ord, Ord-Victoria Plains P1, Pentecost, Victoria Bonaparte P1. IMCRA Regions: Cambridge-Bonaparte, Kimberley. Local Government Areas (LGAs): Derby-West Kimberley, Halls Creek, Wyndham-East Kimberley.
Identification
Large, falcate, glaucous phyllodes to 30 cm long by 20 cm wide, which grow on the trunk and persist for many years.
Golden ball flowers, 2 cm diameter most of the year.
It has a Lignotuber, which is a woody swelling of the root crown. The crown stores starch which can be used to support periods of growth in the absence of photosynthesis. The crown acts to protect it from destruction such as fire, and contains buds from which new stems can sprout.
Tolerant of extended dry periods but frost tender. Suitable for arid situations. It has the largest leaves of all the acacias, which grow on the trunk and persist for many years.
Alkaloid content
Other uses
A unique plant to grow for it distinctive phyllodes.
Recommended for its foliage. May be used as a feature plant.
Extraction
Cultivation
It likes well drained, gravelly soil. Prefers regular watering. Damaged by frost
Also suitable for planting in tropical areas
Propagation Information: Seed germinates readily. Pour boiling water over seed and let soak overnight. Drench seed with a fungicide to prevent "Damping Off" after sowing.
Suppliers
Links
http://www.anbg.gov.au/acacia/species/A-dunnii.html http://florabase.dpaw.wa.gov.au/browse/profile/3313 http://www.australianplants.com/plants.aspx?id=1016 http://florabase.dpaw.wa.gov.au/browse/profile/3313
