Black Wattle
Acacia mearnsii · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (4 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Black Wattle, scientifically known as Acacia mearnsii, is a resilient Australian legume renowned for its medicinal and industrial significance. Highly valued for its tannin-rich bark, it has historically supported traditional healing practices. This versatile species remains a cornerstone in botanical studies, offering unique phytochemical properties for various therapeutic applications.
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Native range
- Europe
- Parts used
- Stem
- Common names
- Wattle · Black Wattle · 3 more
- Scientific synonyms
- Racosperma Mearnsii · Acacia Decurrens Var. Mollissima
Names
Common Names
- wattle
- black wattle
- green wattle
- late black wattle
- tan wattle
Regional and Traditional Names
Spanish:
- acacia-del-centenário
- acacia negra
- Acacia negra australiana
German:
- Acacia mearnsi
- Gerberakazie
- Schwarze Akazie
- Australische Akazie
French:
- acacia noir
- Mimosa argenté
- Mimosa vert
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Acacia mearnsiiSynonyms
- Racosperma mearnsii
- Acacia decurrens var. mollissima
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Fabales, it is classified under the family Fabaceae and the genus Acacia. As a member of the genus Acacia, Acacia mearnsii is specifically recognized for its medicinal and industrial properties.
| 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 widespread geographical distribution across several key regions in the Mediterranean basin. In Southwestern Europe, it can be found inhabiting the territories of Portugal and Spain. Its presence also extends to the island of Corse within the same European sub-region. Moving toward Southeastern Europe, the species is documented growing in Italy. Finally, its range reaches into Northern Africa, specifically within the country of Algeria.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Southwestern Europe | Corse | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Portugal | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Italy | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Algeria | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Morocco | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Tunisia | WCVP |
| Macaronesia | Cape Verde | WCVP |
| Macaronesia | Madeira | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Rwanda | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Acacia mearnsii, is a species primarily valued for its industrial and medicinal potential, with its stem bark serving as the most significant part for extraction. The stem bark is rich in tannins, which are utilized not only in the tanning industry but also for their astringent and antimicrobial properties in traditional applications. When harvested, the bark provides the essential chemical compounds required for various medicinal preparations, making this specific plant part central to its biological utility.| Plant Part | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| stem | Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Acacia mearnsii has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids, Terpenoids.
| Chemical | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Flavonoids | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Terpenoids | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Flavonoids
- BMC complementary and alternative medicine
Terpenoids
- BMC complementary and alternative medicine
Medicinal Uses
Acacia mearnsii has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include shigellosis.
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| shigellosis | Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Preparations
| Preparations | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| crude extract | International journal of molecular sciences (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| crude methanolic extract of the stem bark | Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| methanolic extract | International journal of molecular sciences (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |