Acacia drummondii, Drummond's Wattle, 20 seeds

Acacia drummondii seeds

 

 

Acacia drummondii, commonly known as Drummonds wattle, belongs to family Fabaceae and genus Acacia. The synonyms are Acacia drummondii var, Acacia Candolleana Meisn and Racosperma drummondii var. majus (beenth) Pedley. It originated from Western Australia and is found in various habitats including gullies, low lying areas and hillsides. The plant grows well in gravelly and sandy soils. It has been distributed from the Wheat belt region to the Great Southern region in Albany where it is common in forests and woodlands forming under storeys.

It is one of the largest species in the world and has a lifespan of 15 to 30 years. It grows as a shrub to a height of up to 1.8metresand a width of the same measurement. They grow very fast. Have branches that are thin and reddish. The leaves have green to a slightly bluish colour. The branches appear just above the ground. The leaves are well divided and are in an upward direction. The leaves are the feather-like shape. The plant flowers from June to October with yellow inflorescences. The pollination is done by the insects. The flowers have an odour and high pollen that attracts insects. The flowers grow on the edge of the braches, are yellow, pear-shaped and are arranged in compact cylindrical clusters. The plant produces dry pods which are approximately 3 inches long and have five or six brownish-black seeds. The Acacia produces a durable trunk.

Acacia drummondi was used in the past for building ship due to its durable trunk. In Africa, it is a valuable economic booster. The wood of the tree is used to make furniture, jewellery, weapons, flooring and toys. The tannin found in the bark of the tree is used to dye ink. Essential oils in the flowers are used in the manufacture of perfumes. Raw seed can be eaten or grounded and added to the sauce. It has been used as one of the ingredients in popular beverages in the USA. It is food to wild and domestic animals; giraffes chew the leaves of Acacia. Gum Arabic isolated from species of acacia in Africa is a thickening agent used in the manufacture of soft drinks. Tannins are isolated from tree bark, leaves and sap and are used for the tanning of leather. Tannins have been used medically by the pharmaceutical industry and also as a preservative. Acacia is good for biological diversity and does well where there is full sunlight.

 

 

Growing from seeds:

These seeds need a stratification first, meaning that they have to be treated with cold for several weeks. This can easily be done by planting them directly into your garden at autumn and then they'll start to germinate in spring.

Second option is just simulating the winter season by putting seeds, together with some soil, into the fridge for about 4-6 weeks.

Third option is a treatment with GA3 (Gibberellic acid) for about 6 hours. Then they can be planted directly. Instructions for GA3 usage can be found in the item description of this phytohormone right here in my store.