Pearl acacia

Pearl acacia

Acacia podalyriifolia (Fabaceae)

Common Name:

Pearl acacia

Scientific Name:

Acacia podalyriifolia (Fabaceae)


Alternative common names:

Vaalmimosa (Afrikaans)

Description:

A small evergreen shrub or tree growing 3-6m high, with silvery-grey to dull green, oval, velvety leaves. New growth is covered in greyish, powdery layer and densely velvety hairs. Flowers are bright yellow, spherical and appear in long, showy sprays from June to August. Greyish brown, velvety seed pods are usually 30-80 mm long and 15-20mm wide. 

Additional Information


Where does this species come from?

Australia

What is its invasive status in South Africa?

Existing legislation: CARA 2002 - Category 3 NEMBA - Category 1b

Where in South Africa is it a problem?

Western Cape, Kwa-Zulu Natal, Gauteng and Mpumalanga

How does it spread?

Seed dispersal

Why is it a problem?

Competes with and has the potential to replace indigenous species

What does it look like?

General description: A small evergreen shrub or tree growing 3-6m high, with silvery-grey to dull green, oval, velvety leaves.
Bark: Smooth or ultimately fissured, grey bark.
Leaves: Short, oval or elliptic, silvery-grey to dull-green, velvety leaves.
Flowers: Bright yellow, spherical flowerheads in long, showy sprays from June-August.
Fruit/seeds: Greyish-brown velvety pods.

Does the plant have any uses?

Cultivated for shade and as a honey source.

Leave a Reply