Earleaf acacia
Acacia auriculiformis · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (18 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Earleaf acacia, scientifically known as Acacia auriculiformis, is a versatile, fast-growing legume native to tropical regions. Renowned for its ability to fix nitrogen and improve soil fertility, this resilient tree serves vital roles in reforestation, timber production, and erosion control, making it an essential asset in ecological restoration.
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Native range
- Africa
- Parts used
- Seed · Stem
- Common names
- Ear-Leaf Acacia · Darwin Black Wattle · 7 more
- Scientific synonyms
- Racosperma Auriculiforme
Names
Common Names
- Ear-leaf Acacia
- Darwin black wattle
- black wattle
- ear-pod wattle
- northern black wattle
- Akashmoni
- Common Acacia
- Earpod Wattle
- earleaf acacia
Regional and Traditional Names
Spanish:
- Acacia de vaina orejuda
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Acacia auriculiformisSynonyms
- Racosperma auriculiforme
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Fabales, it falls under the family Fabaceae. Its specific scientific designation is found within the genus Acacia.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Fabales | WCVP |
| Family | Fabaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Acacia | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a wide distribution across several key regions of the African continent. In West Tropical Africa, it can be found growing in the countries of Benin, Guinea, and Nigeria. Its presence extends further into West-Central Tropical Africa, specifically within the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Additionally, the species is documented in the East Tropical Africa region, particularly in Tanzania. Collectively, these locations highlight the diverse ecological range of Acacia auriculiformis across the tropics.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West Tropical Africa | Benin | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Nigeria | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | DR Congo | WCVP |
| East Tropical Africa | Tanzania | WCVP |
| Western Indian Ocean | Mauritius | WCVP |
| Western Indian Ocean | Réunion | WCVP |
| Arabian Peninsula | Oman | WCVP |
| China | China Southeast | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Assam | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Acacia auriculiformis, possesses various components that are utilized for their therapeutic properties. The bark of the tree is a primary source of medicinal compounds, often being processed into a fine bark powder for specific applications. Additionally, the stem bark is frequently harvested for its traditional uses in treating different ailments. Beyond the woody structures, the seeds also play a significant role in the plant's biological and medicinal profile.| Plant Part | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| seed | Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stem | Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Acacia auriculiformis has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Betulin, TOCOPHEROL, linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid.
| Chemical | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Betulin | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| TOCOPHEROL | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| linoleic acid | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| oleic acid | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| palmitic acid | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| polyphenols | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| sterol | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Betulin
- Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
TOCOPHEROL
- Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
linoleic acid
- Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
oleic acid
- Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
palmitic acid
- Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
polyphenols
- Teratogenesis, carcinogenesis, and mutagenesis
sterol
- Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
Activities
Acacia auriculiformis has 3 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antimutagenic, Antioxidant.
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Antibacterial | BMC complementary and alternative medicine (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimutagenic | Teratogenesis, carcinogenesis, and mutagenesis (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | BMC complementary and alternative medicine (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Acacia auriculiformis has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, chronic myelogenous leukemia, leukemia.
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| cancer | Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| chronic myelogenous leukemia | Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leukemia | Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Preparations
| Preparations | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| bark powder | Teratogenesis, carcinogenesis, and mutagenesis (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hexane-extracted oils of ripe seeds | Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stem bark | Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |