Description
Acacia Sieberiana (Paperbark) 400lt
Acacia sieberiana var. woodii syn. Vachellia sieberiana var. woodii (Flat Top Paper Bark)
Original price was: R9,500.00.R8,950.00Current price is: R8,950.00.
Acacia Sieberiana 400lt
Common Name: Paperbark Tree
Acacia/Vachellia sieberiana var. woodii, commonly known as the paperbark thorn, is a tree species within the Fabaceae family.
Botanical Characteristics
Leaves: The paperbark thorn has bipinnate leaves, which are typical of many Acacia species. The leaflets are small, giving the leaves a fine, feathery appearance.
Bark: As the common name suggests, the bark of this tree is papery and peels off in thin flakes. It is usually a creamy white to light brown colour.
Thorns: The tree features paired white thorns at the base of the leaves, which are straight and can be quite sharp.
Flowers: It produces small, spherical, yellow to creamy-white flower clusters that are fragrant and attract various pollinators.
Fruit: The tree bears elongated, flattened pods that contain seeds. The pods are typically a light brown colour when mature.
Growing Conditions
Climate: Paperbarks thrive in warm, tropical to subtropical climates and is commonly found in savannas and open woodland areas.
Soil: It prefers well-drained soils but is adaptable to a range of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils.
Watering: This species is drought-tolerant, making it well-suited to areas with seasonal rainfall.
Ecological Role
Habitat: The paperbark thorn is an important species in its native habitat, providing shelter and food for various wildlife, including insects, birds, and mammals.
Nitrogen Fixation: Like many legumes, it has a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in its root nodules, which helps enrich the soil with nitrogen.
Uses
Timber: The wood is hard and durable, used for construction, furniture, and tools.
Traditional Medicine: Various parts of the tree are used in traditional medicine to treat ailments such as coughs, colds, and skin infections.
Fodder: The leaves and pods are a source of food for livestock during dry seasons.
Gum: The tree exudes a gum that can be used similarly to gum arabic.
Nutritional and Health Benefits
Herbal Remedies: Traditional uses include the treatment of respiratory and gastrointestinal issues, due to the antimicrobial properties of the plant extracts.
Anti-inflammatory: The bark and leaves have been used in poultices to reduce inflammation and promote healing of wounds.
Cultivation and Management
Propagation: The tree is typically propagated from seeds, which often require pre-treatment such as soaking or scarification to enhance germination.
Growth Rate: It has a moderate to fast growth rate, particularly in favourable conditions with adequate water and nutrients.
Management: Pruning may be necessary to manage its thorny branches and to shape the tree for aesthetic or practical purposes.
Conservation and Environmental Importance
Soil Conservation: Its deep root system helps prevent soil erosion, making it valuable in stabilizing soil in its native range.
Biodiversity: It supports biodiversity by providing habitat and food for a variety of organisms.
Acacia/Vachellia sieberiana var. woodii is a versatile and ecologically significant tree, playing a crucial role in its natural habitat while offering numerous benefits for human use and environmental sustainability.
Acacia Sieberiana (Paperbark) 400lt
Acacia sieberiana var. woodii syn. Vachellia sieberiana var. woodii (Flat Top Paper Bark)