Earleaf acacia (Acacia auriculiformis, London J. Bot. 1: 377 (1842))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: A.Cunn. ex Benth.

Bibliography: London J. Bot. 1: 377 (1842)

Year: 1842

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Acacia

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: SE. Maluku to New Guinea and N. Australia

Description

The Earleaf Acacia, scientifically known as Acacia auriculiformis, is a versatile and resilient tree belonging to the Fabaceae family. Initially described in 1842 by the noted botanist A.Cunn. ex Benth. in the London Journal of Botany, this species has carved out a notable presence in the regions of Southeast Maluku, New Guinea, and Northern Australia.

Recognized for its robust adaptability, the Earleaf Acacia thrives in various environmental conditions, contributing significantly to reforestation and land reclamation projects. Its resilience against harsh climates and poor soil makes it an ideal candidate for improving and stabilizing erosion-prone areas, a characteristic that underlines its ecological importance.

The Earleaf Acacia tree is characterized by its distinctive leaves, which resemble ears—hence the common name. These leaves not only add to its aesthetic appeal but are also integral in its role in providing shade and shelter, making it a favored choice in urban landscaping and restoration programs. The tree is also known for its nitrogen-fixing capability, enhancing soil fertility and thereby supporting the growth of surrounding vegetation.

In addition to its environmental benefits, Acacia auriculiformis has various uses in traditional medicine, wood production, and as a source of fuel. The wood, known for its durability and workability, is utilized in the manufacture of furniture and paper pulp. Communities within its native range have long valued this species for both practical and medicinal purposes.

In summary, the Earleaf Acacia is more than just a tree; it is a symbol of resilience and ecological balance. Its contributions to environmental sustainability, economic value, and cultural significance underscore its integral role in the regions it inhabits.

Common Names

Msa: akasia kuning
Eng: darwin black wattle, earleaf acacia, black wattle, ear-leaf acacia, ear-pod wattle, northern black wattle
Por: acácia, acácia-auriculada
En: Earleaf acacia, Auri, Australian Babul, Northern Black Wattle, Darwin black wattle, Ear-leaf Acacia, Black wattle, Ear-pod wattle
Bn: আকাশমণি
Zh: 大叶相思
Fi: Korva-akasia
De: Ohrförmige Akazie
Ms: Pokok Akasia, Akasia kuning
Ml: അക്കേഷ്യ
Fa: آکاکیا آریکالیفرمیس
Pt: Acácia, Acácia-auriculada
Zh-tw: 大蘂相思
Te: అకేషియా అరికులిఫోర్మిస్
Th: กระถินณรงค์
Zh-hant: 大葉相思
Vi: Keo lá tràm

Synonyms

• Racosperma auriculiforme ((A.Cunn. ex Benth.) Pedley)

Distribution

• Maluku (native)
• New Guinea (native)
• Northern Territory (native)
• Queensland (native)
• Andaman Is. (introduced)
• Assam (introduced)
• Bahamas (introduced)
• Bangladesh (introduced)
• Benin (introduced)
• Borneo (introduced)
• Cambodia (introduced)
• Caroline Is. (introduced)
• China Southeast (introduced)
• Cook Is. (introduced)
• East Himalaya (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• Laos (introduced)
• Lesser Sunda Is. (introduced)
• Malaya (introduced)
• Mauritius (introduced)
• Myanmar (introduced)
• Nepal (introduced)
• Nicobar Is. (introduced)
• Nigeria (introduced)
• Oman (introduced)
• Pakistan (introduced)
• Panamá (introduced)
• Philippines (introduced)
• Réunion (introduced)
• Solomon Is. (introduced)
• Sri Lanka (introduced)
• Tanzania (introduced)
• Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
• Vietnam (introduced)
• West Himalaya (introduced)
• Zaïre (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Oct 25, 2022 by sachin sharma (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 29, 2022 by Anatas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 14, 2022 by Folkard Asch (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 6, 2021 by Alain BEIGNET (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 24, 2020 by Adesina Oyebadejo (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 14, 2022 by Jean Paul Giraud (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 3, 2022 by Chris (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 23, 2021 by Laurie Stegemann (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 22, 2021 by Jean-Michel Aout (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 8, 2022 by olivier Boyer (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 30, 2022 by Lukasz Luczaj (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2022 by Srinivas M (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 17, 2018 by Marcel B. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 29, 2019 by Franco Colnago (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 3, 2020 by david david (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Nov 27, 2022 by prasantahembram (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 22, 2020 by Sébastien TRASBOT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 22, 2020 by Sébastien TRASBOT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 3, 2022 by Chris (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 4, 2019 by vakci VI (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Nov 10, 2022 by Danielle Stig (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 17, 2022 by Josefa Da Silva Oliveira (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 15, 2022 by Dr Sandeep Kumar Yadav (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 3, 2022 by Chris (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 11, 2022 by Ankit Pathak (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Mar 29, 2022 by TAPESH BHAMI (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.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2981001)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:469784-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Acacia auriculiformis Benth.)

Specifications

Growth