Acacia-hedge (Acacia paradoxa, Cat. Pl. Horti Monsp.: 74 (1813))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: DC.

Bibliography: Cat. Pl. Horti Monsp.: 74 (1813)

Year: 1813

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Acacia

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: SE. Queensland to SE. Australia

Description

Acacia-hedge, scientifically known as Acacia paradoxa, is a noteworthy member of the Fabaceae family. First documented in 1813 in the “Catalogus Plantarum Horti Monspeliensis” by the botanist DC., this plant is native to the southeastern regions of Queensland and southeastern Australia.

Acacia paradoxa is celebrated for its dense, thorny structure, which makes it an excellent choice for natural hedging and boundary delineation. The plant features bright yellow, ball-shaped flowers that bloom primarily in the spring, offering a striking visual contrast against its green, feathery foliage. These flowers not only enhance garden aesthetics but also attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, contributing to the local ecosystem’s health.

The formidable thorns of the Acacia-hedge provide an effective barrier, making it particularly suitable for creating secure perimeters around properties or protecting other plants from grazing animals. Despite its hardy nature, the Acacia paradoxa thrives best in well-drained soils and a sunny to partially shaded environment. It is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal watering once established, and proving resilient against drought conditions.

Cultivating Acacia-hedge in gardens or landscapes not only adds beauty and functionality but also connects the garden to the rich botanical heritage of southeastern Australia, where this species has been an integral part of the native flora. Understanding its origins and attributes can help gardeners and landscape designers utilize this plant to its fullest potential, creating sustainable and visually appealing outdoor spaces.

Common Names

Eng: paradox acacia, acacia-hedge, kangaroo thorn, kangaroo wattle, kangaroo-thorn, kangaroothorn, prickly acacia, hedge wattle
Heb: shita dokranit, שיטה דוקרנית
Swe: borstakacia
En: Acacia-hedge, Kangaroo wattle, Kangaroo-thorn, Prickly acacia, Paradox acacia, Kangaroo thorn, Kangaroothorn, Hedge Wattle
Eo: Kangurua akacio
Fi: Harja-akaasia
De: Kängurudorn
He: Shita dokranit, שיטה דוקרנית
Sv: Borstakacia

Synonyms

• Racosperma paradoxum ((DC.) Pedley)
• Mimosa paradoxa ((DC.) Dum.Cours.)
• Acacia armata var. angustifolia (Benth.)
• Acacia armata var. typica (Domin)
• Acacia armatoides (Walp.)
• Acacia armata f. ornithophora ((Sweet) Voss)
• Acacia undulata var. longispina (Vis.)
• Phyllodoce undulata (Link)
• Acacia armata var. longipedunculata (Regel)
• Acacia undulata var. elegans (Jacques)
• Acacia furcifera (Lindl.)
• Acacia undulata (Willd. ex H.L.Wendl.)
• Acacia armata var. ornithophora ((Sweet) Benth.)
• Acacia ornithophora (Sweet)
• Acacia armata var. microphylla (Benth.)
• Acacia falcifolia (Hoffmanns.)
• Acacia armata var. undulata ((Siebert & Voss) Riebe)
• Acacia armata f. undulata ((Link) Voss)
• Phyllodoce armata ((R.Br.) Link)
• Racosperma undulatum (Mart.)
• Racosperma armatum ((R.Br.) Mart.)
• Acacia armata var. pendula (Seem.)
• Acacia armata var. paradoxa ((DC.) Ser.)

Distribution

• New South Wales (native)
• Queensland (native)
• South Australia (native)
• Victoria (native)
• California (introduced)
• Cape Provinces (introduced)
• Chile Central (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• New Zealand South (introduced)
• Northern Provinces (introduced)
• Palestine (introduced)
• Tasmania (introduced)
• Western Australia (introduced)
• Zaïre (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken May 1, 2021 by arlas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 26, 2022 by cassie ward (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 11, 2021 by arlas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 12, 2020 by Amanda Martin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 30, 2021 by Janine Zschech (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Oct 9, 2018 by arlas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 26, 2022 by cassie ward (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken Sep 3, 2022 by John Cooney (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2022 by Michal Svit (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 9, 2018 by arlas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 28, 2022 by Ryan Melnikas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 21, 2022 by Michal Svit (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 3, 2021 by arlas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 25, 2021 by Mary Graham (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 11, 2021 by arlas (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 11, 2021 by arlas (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2981159)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:471079-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Acacia paradoxa DC.)

Specifications

Growth