Alien Invasives · Black Wattle (Acacia mearnsii)

Black Wattle (Acacia mearnsii)

Medium evergreen tree, 5 to 10m tall with dark olive-green, finely hairy leaves. Abundant pale yellow or cream spherical flowers in large fragrant sprays from August to September. Fruits are dark brown, finely haired pods.

Other names: Swartwattel (Afrikaans)
Invasive status: NEMBA Category 2
CARA 2002 Category 2

Originally from: South-eastern Australia and Tasmania
Where is it a problem?: Throughout the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Kwa-Zulu Natal, Mpumalanga and Gauteng
How does it spread?: Seed dispersal and suckers
Why is it a problem?: Competes with and replaces indigenous grassland and riverine species. Grasslands are invaded by dense thickets of black wattle, which reduced the grazing area for domestic and wild animals.
Planting alternatives: Weeping Wattle (Peltophorum africanum), Hook Thorn Acacia (Acacia caffra), Karee (Searsia lancea), Mountain Karee (Searsia leptodactyla)
Uses: Leather tanning and firewood