black wattle

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• black wattle
• broadleaf wattle
• hickory wattle
• sally wattle
• screw-pod wattle
• scrub wattle
• Lightwood

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Racosperma implexum

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, specifically falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Fabales, it is classified under the family Fabaceae and the genus Acacia. Ultimately, its scientific designation is Acacia implexa.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution that spans across two different continents. In Southern Africa, its presence is specifically noted within the Cape Provinces. The species is also widely established across various regions of Australia. Specifically, it can be found growing in the states of New South Wales and Queensland. Additionally, its range extends further south to include the state of Victoria.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Acacia implexa is characterized by its adaptation to specific low-altitude environments, typically occupying habitats where the terrain remains relatively close to sea level. This species is ecologically constrained by its elevational range, which reaches a maximum of 300 m AMSL. Within this specific altitudinal niche, the plant interacts with localized soil compositions and moisture regimes typical of lowland ecosystems. Its distribution is closely tied to these low-lying topographical features, which dictate the climatic variables and resource availability essential for its survival and reproductive success within its natural range.

Elevational range max:

300 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Acacia implexa is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist in its environment over many years. As a long-lived woody species, it does not follow the rapid turnover of annuals or biennials but instead focuses on establishing a robust structural presence. Its development involves a transition from seed germination to a sustained vegetative growth phase, eventually leading to reproductive maturity where it produces flowers and seeds to ensure the continuation of its lineage. This perennial nature enables the plant to endure seasonal fluctuations and contribute to the long-term stability of its ecological niche.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Acacia implexa is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree, typically exhibiting a self-supporting structure. This species ranges in plant height from a minimum of 3 meters to a maximum of 15 meters. It functions as an independent organism, neither acting as a parasite nor as an epiphyte, maintaining a terrestrial habit rather than an aquatic or semiaquatic existence.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

15 m

Plant height min:

3 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Acacia implexa is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its metabolic processes and carbon fixation strategies. The leaf morphology plays a significant role in its physiological function, with leaf lengths ranging from a minimum of 7 cm to a maximum of 18 cm. Furthermore, the leaf width exhibits variation within the plant, measuring as narrow as 0.6 cm at its minimum and expanding to a maximum width of 2.5 cm, parameters that influence its surface area for gas exchange and transpiration efficiency.

Leaf length max:

18 cm

Leaf length min:

7 cm

Leaf width max:

2.5 cm

Leaf width min:

0.6 cm

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Acacia implexa is characterized by a specific flowering window and specialized seed dispersal mechanisms. The plant's flowering period typically begins in December and concludes in April, though the timing can be variable depending on environmental conditions. During the reproductive cycle, the plant produces fruit in the form of a pod. These pods are dehiscence-type, meaning they split open at maturity to release the seeds. The seeds themselves are quite small, with a mean mass of approximately 0.01821 g. Individual seed weights fluctuate within a specific range, reaching a minimum of 0.01397 g and a maximum of 0.02286 g.

Dehiscence :

dehiscent

Flowering time :

Dec

Flowering time :

Apr

Fruit type :

pod

Seed mass max:

0.02286 g

Seed mass mean:

0.01821 g

Seed mass min:

0.01397 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Acacia implexa has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Leaf

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Chemicals

Acacia implexa has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (+)-catechin, (-)-Epicatechin, Gallic acid, Tannins.

(+)-catechin

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

(-)-Epicatechin

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Gallic acid

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Tannins

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Activities

Acacia implexa has 2 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antioxidant.

Antibacterial

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Antioxidant

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Conditions

Acacia implexa has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include wounds.

Wounds

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Preparations

Acacia implexa has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include bark.

Bark

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM