Black wattle (Acacia decurrens, Sp. Pl., ed. 4, 4: 1072 (1806))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: (J.C.Wendl.) Willd.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl., ed. 4, 4: 1072 (1806)

Year: 1806

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Acacia

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: EC. & SE. New South Wales

Description

Black wattle, known scientifically as Acacia decurrens, is a versatile and resilient member of the Fabaceae family. It was first described and recognized in the fourth edition of “Species Plantarum” in 1806 by the noted botanist Willdenow, though originally identified by J.C. Wendland.

This species predominantly thrives in the ecological regions of Eastern and Southeastern New South Wales, Australia. Known for its robustness, Black wattle is commonly found in diverse habitats, ranging from forested areas to urban environments. This adaptability also makes it a popular choice for reforestation projects and erosion control.

The Black wattle typically reaches a moderate height and is characterized by its smooth bark and feathery foliage, which gives it a graceful appearance. During its blooming season, the tree produces abundant, bright yellow flowers that not only add aesthetic value but also play a crucial role in supporting local wildlife, attracting various pollinators such as bees.

In addition to its ecological benefits, Acacia decurrens has various practical applications. Indigenous cultures have long utilized parts of the tree for medicinal purposes and crafting tools. In contemporary settings, its bark is harvested for tannins used in the leather industry, while its wood is valued for fuel and construction.

Understanding the significance and multifaceted use of Black wattle highlights its importance both in natural ecosystems and human economies. Its resilience and utility make it a key species worth acknowledging and preserving.

Common Names

Eng: green wattle, sydney green wattle, sydney wattle, black wattle, early black wattle, queen wattle
Fra: acacia noir
Afr: groenwattel
Deu: schwarze akazie
En: Black wattle, Early black wattle, Queen wattle, Sydney green wattle, Sydney wattle, Green wattle
Af: Groenwattel, Groen wattel
Ar: سنط شائع
Zh: Xian ye jin he huan, 线叶金合欢, 绿荆
Fr: Acacia noir
De: Schwarze Akazie, Australische Silber-Akazie
Ml: പച്ചവാറ്റിൽ
Fa: آکاکیا دکارنس
Pt: Acácia-negra
Ru: Акация низбегающая
Es: Acacia
Zh-tw: 線葉金合歡
Zh-hant: 線葉金合歡
Uk: Акація нізбегающа

Synonyms

• Mimosa decurrens (J.C.Wendl.)
• Acacia decurrens f. normalis (Benth.)
• Acacia adenophora (Spreng.)
• Mimosa angulata ((Desv.) Poir.)
• Acacia decurrens var. normalis ((Benth.) Maiden)
• Racosperma decurrens ((J.C.Wendl.) Pedley)
• Acacia angulata (Desv.)
• Acacia mollissima var. angulata ((Desv.) Walp.)
• Acacia decurrens var. angulata ((Desv.) Benth.)
• Mimosa pulchra (Dum.Cours.)
• Mimosa mollissima (Willd.)

Distribution

• New South Wales (native)
• Angola (introduced)
• Assam (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Cameroon (introduced)
• Cape Provinces (introduced)
• China South-Central (introduced)
• China Southeast (introduced)
• Colombia (introduced)
• Dominican Republic (introduced)
• East Himalaya (introduced)
• Ecuador (introduced)
• Ethiopia (introduced)
• Free State (introduced)
• Haiti (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• Jawa (introduced)
• KwaZulu-Natal (introduced)
• Leeward Is. (introduced)
• Lesotho (introduced)
• New Caledonia (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• New Zealand South (introduced)
• Northern Provinces (introduced)
• Pakistan (introduced)
• Puerto Rico (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• South Australia (introduced)
• Sri Lanka (introduced)
• Swaziland (introduced)
• Tanzania (introduced)
• Tasmania (introduced)
• Venezuela (introduced)
• Victoria (introduced)
• West Himalaya (introduced)
• Western Australia (introduced)

Additional Images

© 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 Jun 4, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 1, 1990 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 25, 1990 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 1, 1990 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 20, 2021 by Calderón Caldas Douglas (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Nov 18, 2022 by Jessy Wonder (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 20, 2021 by Calderón Caldas Douglas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2022 by James Lamb (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 6, 2022 by quezada leiva (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 6, 2022 by Adventure Wynn (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 4, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 18, 2022 by Jessy Wonder (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 4, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 18, 2022 by Jessy Wonder (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Nov 20, 2021 by Calderón Caldas Douglas (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2979778)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:470138-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Acacia decurrens Willd.)

Specifications

Growth