Acacia auriculiformis

Acacia auriculiformis

Family: Fabaceae

Sub-family: Mimosoideae

Common name: Australian acacia

Acacia auriculiformis is an evergreen tree that typically grows between 15 to 30 meters tall. It has dense foliage and an open, spreading crown. The trunk is crooked, with vertically fissured bark. The leaves are thick, leathery, and curved, giving the tree a robust appearance. The flowers are creamy yellow, long, and sweet-scented, usually occurring in pairs. The pods are flat, cartilaginous, glaucous, and transversely veined, with undulate margins. While initially straight, the pods twist into irregular spirals as they mature, with seeds held transversely inside.

The plant has notable medicinal properties, including anti-helminthic, anti-filarial, and microbicidal activities. An extract derived from the root is used to treat various aches, pains, and sore eyes. Acacia auriculiformis is also utilized in the production of paper and timber.