Consulta Plantas

Care of the shrub Acacia paradoxa or Kangaroo acacia

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 paradoxa, Acacia melanoxylon, Acacia luederitzii, Acacia longifolia, Acacia karoo, Acacia iteaphylla, Acacia greggii, Acacia dodonaeifolia, Acacia dealbata, Acacia cultriformis, Acacia hebeclada, Acacia tortilis, Acacia truncata, Acacia saligna, Acacia tetragonophylla, Acacia pendula.

Common names: Prickly wattle, Kangaroo acacia, Hedge wattle, Kangaroo thorn, Paradox acacia. This species is native to Australia.

It is a thorny evergreen shrub that reaches 5 meters (16.40 feet) high and 3 meters (9.94 feet) wide. It has small wavy, bright green leaves and hairy stems. The abundant globose flowers are deep yellow. It can bloom from mid-winter to mid-spring.

Hedge wattle is used to form barriers, informal hedges, screens against the sea wind and on slopes to fix the ground. It is ideal for Mediterranean coastal gardens. Do not plant it near sewers due to its aggressive roots.

Acacia paradoxa needs a sunny or light shade exposure and a warm climate. It can survive frosts of up to -5 ºC (23 ºF).

Kangaroo thorn can grow in any type of soil, be it clayey, calcareous, sandy or poor, but they prefer a light one, well drained and containing a little organic matter.

Watering will be regular, waiting until the soil has dried.

Fertilizer is not essential but we can compost it in the fall.

Kangaroo acacia allow light pruning in the fall to maintain a compact appearance.

Acacia paradoxa is plant resistant to the most common pests and diseases.

Prickly wattle is propagated by cuttings made in summer or from seeds sown in spring previously soaked for at least 12 hours. They germinate in 25-30 days.

Images of the shrub Acacia paradoxa or Kangaroo acacia