Acacia AURICULIFORMIS

Acacia AURICULIFORMIS - Earleaf acacia, Auri, Acacia moniliformis, Racosperma auriculiforme.

Can be grown as a bonsai!

Acacia is a large genus of flowering plants in the legume family (Fabaceae). It grows predominantly in Australia, Africa, Mexico, and Asia. It often graces Central European conservatories and greenhouses. The scientific name of the genus comes from the ancient Greek "akake" - the name of one of the spiny trees. Robinia ("black locust" or "white acacia") and caragana ("Siberian peashrub" or "yellow acacia") are also called acacias, although they belong to completely different genera within the legume family.

They are widely distributed in the tropical and subtropical regions of both hemispheres - between 35° north latitude and 42° south latitude. They grow under diverse ecological conditions - in the arid deserts of Mexico and Australia, in humid areas of India and Madagascar, usually in low-lying parts, in river valleys on alluvial and stony soils containing minimal lime, and ascend into mountains up to 1000 m (3300 ft) above sea level. They often form pure stands.

Acacias rank among the fastest-growing tree species, reaching a height of 0.75-1.5 m (2.5-4.9 ft) in their first year of life, 2-2.5 m (6.6-8.2 ft) in the second, up to 4-5 m (13-16 ft) in the third with a trunk diameter of 3-4 cm (1.2-1.6 in) at a height of 1 m (3.3 ft), and 15-18 m (49-59 ft) at 12-15 years of age. Intensive growth of the trees ceases by 25-30 years; plants at 30 years are already aging, their crown thins out, the bark cracks, and hollows appear. Most species produce abundant basal shoots from the root collar and generous root suckers as early as the second or third year of life. Flowering begins from the first or, more often, second year of life, and thereafter, like fruiting, occurs regularly every year.

Earleaf acacia is a tree with a spreading crown native to the northernmost regions of Australia. Phyllodes are sickle-shaped, 10-15 cm (4-6 in) long. Inflorescences are 8 cm (3.1 in) long, consisting of pale golden flowers. After flowering, curved woody pods are formed. The species is sensitive to frost. The plant is fast-growing.

The seeds are preliminarily scarified (without breaking the outer coat, germination will be minimal): for this, the outer hull is carefully filed or scratched with a hard tool without damaging the embryo, and small seeds are scalded with hot (~80 °C / 176 °F) water, after which they are soaked for 12 hours in cold water with the addition of stimulants (SUPERthrive, HB-101, Aminozol, Epin, or Zircon), then sown in a light, breathable mix to a depth equal to the size of the seed, moistened from a spray bottle, placed in a mini-greenhouse or covered with film, and germinated in light, but not in the sun, at a temperature of 20-22 °C (68-72 °F). Seedlings require ventilation. Overwatering and drying out of the sowings must be avoided.

Sown at 20 °C (68 °F), the seeds germinate within several days to several weeks. After the appearance of two true leaves, the seedlings are pricked out into individual pots. Seedlings are planted out into open ground after reaching a height of 30-40 cm (12-16 in). Seeds remain viable for many years.

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All members of the acacia genus are light-loving plants that tolerate a certain amount of direct sunlight well. In summer, they prefer temperatures within 20-25 °C (68-77 °F); after preliminary hardening off (via vigorous room ventilation), it is desirable to bring the plant out onto balconies, terraces, or sink it into the soil in the garden. It is best to plant the acacia into open ground without a pot for the summer, in a wind-sheltered but bright spot. A cool, sunny overwintering period must be provided in a cool yet bright room with temperatures not below 10 °C (50 °F). The room must be ventilated, but cold drafts are unacceptable.

Water abundantly in summer; in winter, water so that the upper layer of substrate dries out between waterings - very moderately if the plant is kept in a cool room over winter. It tolerates average or even low air humidity well. Feeding is necessary from spring to the end of summer with a liquid complete fertilizer for indoor plants. Feeding is not recommended during the dormant period.

Repotting is performed after flowering once every 1-2 years. The plant is distinguished by vigorous growth, so a spacious and deep container must be selected. Young plants are repotted every year, while mature specimens can be repotted every two to three years. A mixture of sod and leaf mold or humus-peat soil and sand (2:1:1) is suitable for the plants. Acacia roots have a garlic scent that is noticeable during repotting.

Members of the genus grow very rapidly, and under favorable conditions produce substantial growth over the spring-summer season. For the plant to develop a fuller crown, weak and crowding branches are pruned out after flowering. Most acacias share a characteristic feature: their leaf blades are reduced, while the petioles are flattened and broadened, capable of photosynthesis - these are the so-called phyllodes.