Botanical Name: Acacia (Vachellia) sieberiana

Synonym:                   Acacia woodii Burt Davy

Common Name:      Paperbark Acacia                  

Plant Family:             Mimosoideae

Origin:                        Africa

References:               Coates Palgrave p.299, Timberlake et.al. p.122-123, Dharani p.158-159. S.A. No. 187, Zimb. No. 224

Description: A common, large, flat-topped, deciduous tree with grey, corky, peeling bark with yellow under-layer. Thorns are short, straight or slightly hooked, grey and paired (5cm) although older trees may be largely thornless. Medium-sized, bipinnate leaves (8-15cm), with up to 20 pairs of small (3mm) pale green leaflets. Flower a sweet-smelling white ball appearing with new leaves. The fruit a stout, woody, straight, yellow-brown pod (up to 15cm), with distinct valves. The pod is largely indehiscent (does not split).

Features of Particular Interest:  Flat-topped tree shape and profuse white flowers.

Height and Spread: 10m – 17m high, 5m – 10m spread.

Periods of Interest:                          

Flowering:  August to October.

Fruiting: November to June.

Bark: All year round.

Leaf: September to May.

Cultivation

Soil and Moisture:   Acacia sieberiana occurs in a variety of soils. Plant in full sun or semi shade and water regularly. It is drought resistant.

Aspect: Tolerant of growing situations but enjoys and open location.

Hardiness: Drought tolerant.

Maintenance and Pruning: None required.

Propagation:  Acacia sieberiana is relatively easy to germinate. The seed should be planted with a light sand/soil cover and watered regularly. Transplant into larger bags when several leaves have appeared.

Problems and Drawbacks: Roots not known to be intrusive, but it will lose its leaves in winter, so do not plant near swimming pools.
Use and Associated Planting:  Acacia sieberiana with its flat umbrella shape and white flaky bark also good in urban landscaping.