Acacia mellifera Seeds Black Thorn; Swaarthaak Tree Seeds - Beautiful Hardy Indigenous Tree

Acacia mellifera Seeds

Black Thorn; Swaarthaak

Acacia is a large genus, in the Fabaceae family, that contains over 1200 species of trees and shrubs from warm climates. Some are deciduous but most are evergreen. Over 700 species are native to Australia. There are 40 species, subspecies and varieties of Acacia indigenous to South Africa. They range from low-growing shrubs to tall trees and many have been introduced to other countries for economic and ornamental purposes. Acacias are also common in tropical and subtropical Africa; most African species are characterized by vicious spines and referred to as ‘thorn trees’. The name Acacia is derived from "akis" meaning a point or barb. Acacias have either bipinnate leaves or their leaves are replaced by flattened leave stalks, known as phyllodes, which perform the function of photosynthesis. The flowers, ranging from deep golden yellow to cream or white, and crowded into globular heads or cylindrical spikes, are often fragrant and produce abundant, bee-attracting pollen. The fruit of Acacias are either round or flattened pods. They do well in most parts of South Africa, and resist all butt frosts. Many of them make suitable bonsai candidates. The hard coated seeds remain viable for up to 30 years. They should be treated by heating and soaking for germination in spring. In cultivation many species are fast-growing but short-lived (10-15 years). They do best in full sun and well-drained soil. Some will take part-shade. Prune to shape after their flowers have fallen.

Acacia mellifera forms a shrub or small tree. It is particularly well suited as a bonsai subject because of it stunning flaking bark which reveals a yellow-brown to reddish bark below. The leaflet size increases prominently to the tips of the pinnae. The new shoot tips are sticky and glandular and the veins on the leaves are inconspicuous.