Peppertree wattle

Peppertree wattle

Acacia elata (Fabaceae)

Common Name:

Peppertree wattle

Scientific Name:

Acacia elata (Fabaceae)


Alternative common names:

Peperboomwattel

Description:

A large, oval shaped evergreen tree up to 20m high, origination from Australia. Pale yellow or cream globe-shaped flowers flower heads in large sprays appear in October to December and produce 4-17cm long seed pods. Leaves are dark green and glossy. Peppertree wattle invades fynbos, forest clearings and urban open spaces.

Additional Information


Where does this species come from?

South-eastern 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

How does it spread?

Seed dispersal

Why is it a problem?

It competes with and has the potential to replace and reduce indigenous species.

What does it look like?

Description: A large, oval shaped evergreen tree up to 20m high.
Bark: Brownish-grey to blackish.
Leaves: Dark green, small bipinnate glossy leaves.
Flowers: Pale yellow or cream globular flower heads, in October-December.
Fruit/seeds: Flat 4-17cm brown pods.

Does the plant have any uses?

Ornamental

Leave a Reply