Care of the shrub Acacia truncata or West coast wattle |
The Acacia genus, of the Fabaceae family, includes some 1,200 species of shrubs and trees native to Australia, Africa, Asia and South America. Some species are: Acacia truncata, Acacia tetragonophylla, Acacia saligna, Acacia paradoxa, Acacia melanoxylon, Acacia luederitzii, Acacia longifolia, Acacia karoo, Acacia iteaphylla, Acacia greggii, Acacia dodonaeifolia, Acacia dealbata, Acacia cultriformis, Acacia hebeclada, Acacia tortilis. Common names: West coast wattle and Angle leaved wattle. This species is native to Australia. They are dense and horizontal bushes that do not exceed 2 meters (6.56 feet) height. The leaves are small, leathery and bright green. The abundant yellow flowers are globose and scented. They bloom from winter to mid-spring. West coast wattle is used in Mediterranean coastal gardens as isolated specimens, to form informal hedges and shrub groups. Acacia truncata can be grown in full sun or light shade exposure and in Mediterranean climates. They can resist frost of up to about -7 ºC (19.4 ºF). Although they may live on poor, sandy soils, they will appreciate a well-drained garden soil with plenty of coarse sand. Angle leaved wattle has good resistance to drought so they will always be watered moderately, waiting for the soil to dry completely. In winter they can only live with the rain water. Fertilizer is not necessary. West coast wattle can be pruned lightly after flowering to give them a more compact appearance. Acacia truncata is a shrub resistant to pests but not to fungal diseases caused by excessive watering. Propagation is made from seeds sown in spring previously soaked in hot water from the day before planting. |
Images of the shrub Acacia truncata or West coast wattle |