Acacia cyclops A. Cunn. EX G. Don

Description :

A small, dense, evergreen, bushy shrub or small multi-stemmed tree. 3 to 8 m tall. Leaves are phyllodes. The phyllodes grow in downward vertical position. The foliage is light green, smooth and shiny when young. The flowers are yellow growing in showy heads and appear between April and May. The pods are small and mature between June and August. It is easily reproduced from seed. Pre-treating the seed with abrasion, acid soak or a hot water soak will increase germination. Seed is stored for long periods in the soil surface. Birds will also spread this aggressive tree. It is relatively slow growing, but will yield 12 kg dry biomass from a tree with a basal diameter of 10 cm. It should reach harvestable size between 7 to 10 years on protected sites. Under harsh conditions along the coast this tree will take the form of a hedge. This is a very aggressive tree and once established in an area it is difficult to remove.

Distribution :

The tree is native to southwest Australia. It can be successfully planted in sand dunes and coastal areas of Pakistan. It is growing well in Peshawar. An intolerant, drought hardy tree which grows best on soils from calcareous and quartzitic parent materials. It is adapted to coarse sandy soils and will even grow on sand dune crests. It will tolerate salt spray, saline sites and high winds. It requires precipitation of 200 to 800 mm/yr. It prefers a semi-arid, warm Mediterranean climate, within a temperature range of 5 to 30°C. It exhibits some frost hardiness. At present no disease or insects problems have been identified.

Uses :

It grows well in a salty environment and has been successfully used to stabilize sand dunes. Also used as Fodder (goats), fuel, ornamental, and apiculture purposes.