Acacia

New Zealand’s best Acacia Plants For Sale

Growing Acacia such as Acacia dealbata offers numerous benefits, including:

• They attract birds and bees
• Greater biodiversity is created
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature
• They are fast-growing and easy to care for. Acacia trees are a good choice for beginner gardeners.
• They are drought-tolerant and can be grown in a variety of soil conditions. Acacia trees are a good choice for areas that experience dry summers.
• They are a valuable source of food and habitat for wildlife. Acacia trees attract birds, bees, and other beneficial insects.
• They can be used for a variety of purposes, including timber, firewood, and medicinal products.
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come

From the popular Acacia Limelight, Flowering Wattle, Tasmanian Blackwood trees, and Acacia dealbata, we’ll help you find the right Acacia for your space. Choose from a wide variety of plants that have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Acacia plants, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Acacia Plant Questions

1. What is Acacia?

Acacia is a genus of over 700 species of flowering plants in the legume family, Fabaceae. The species are native to tropical and warm temperate regions of the world, but many have been introduced to other areas, including New Zealand. Acacia trees are known for their beautiful yellow flowers in spring and summer which are a valuable source of food and habitat for wildlife.

2. What are the different types of Acacia trees that grow in New Zealand?

There are over 100 different species of Acacia trees that grow in New Zealand, but some of the most common include:

• Golden Wattle (Acacia longifolia): This is a fast-growing tree that can reach heights of up to 30 metres. It has long and narrow leaves, and bright yellow flowers in spring and summer.
• Silver Wattle (Acacia dealbata): This is a smaller tree that typically grows to around 10 metres tall. It has silvery-green leaves and pale-yellow flowers in spring and summer.
• Black Wattle (Acacia mearnsii): This is a medium-sized tree that can grow to around 20 metres tall. It has dark green leaves and yellow flowers in spring and summer.
• Wattle Gum (Acacia pycnantha): This is a small tree that typically grows to around 5 metres tall. It has dark green leaves and yellow flowers in spring and summer.

3. How do I grow Acacia trees?

To grow Acacia trees there are a few key steps:

1. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
2. Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball of the tree.
3. Place the tree in the hole and backfill with soil, firming it in gently to remove any air pockets.
4. Water the tree well.
5. Mulch around the tree with bark chips or compost to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
6. Stake the tree to avoid it being blown over and produce a better specimen.

4. How do I care for Acacia trees?

Acacia trees are relatively low maintenance, but there are a few things you can do to keep them healthy and looking their best:

• Water the trees regularly, especially during the hot summer months.
• Fertilise the trees in spring with a balanced fertiliser.
• Prune the trees in winter to remove any dead or diseased branches and to both shape and contain them.
• Be on the lookout for pests and diseases, and treat them promptly if necessary.

5. What are the common pests and diseases of Acacia trees?

Acacia trees typically only experience root rot due to being planted in heavy or or continuously wet soils. They tend not to have any significant pest issues.

6. How do I harvest Acacia seeds?

To harvest Acacia seeds, wait until the seed pods are dry and brown. Then, open the pods and collect the seeds. Acacia seeds can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to two years.

7. How do I propagate Acacia trees?

Acacia trees can be propagated from seed or from cuttings. To propagate Acacia trees from seed, sow the seeds in spring or summer. To propagate Acacia trees from cuttings, take cuttings in spring or summer and plant them in a moist, well-drained potting mix. Misting and bottom heat will improve the strike rates for each method.

8. Does acacia grow in NZ?

Acacia trees grow well in New Zealand with over 100 different species grown. The most common include golden wattle, silver wattle, black wattle, and wattle gum.

If you are interested in growing acacia trees, be sure to choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Acacia trees are relatively low-maintenance, but they will benefit from regular watering and fertiliser.

9. What is Acacia called now?

Acacia is still called Acacia, but some of the African species of Acacia have been reclassified into two new genera, Vachellia and Senegalia. This was done in 2005 to better reflect the evolutionary relationships between the different species of Acacia.

However, the name Acacia is still widely used to refer to all of the species in the former genus Acacia, including both the Australian and African species. This is because the name Acacia has been used for centuries to refer to these trees, and it is familiar to people all over the world.

So, the answer to your question is that it depends on who you ask. Some people will say that Acacia is now called Vachellia or Senegalia, while others will say that it is still called Acacia.

10. How long does it take for Acacia to grow in New Zealand?

The amount of time it takes for acacia to grow in New Zealand depends on the species of Acacia, the climate, and the growing conditions. For example, golden wattle (Acacia longifolia) can grow up to 2 metres tall in its first year. Silver wattle (Acacia dealbata) and black wattle (Acacia mearnsii) can grow up to 1 metre tall in their first year.

When growing acacia trees, it is important to choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. They become relatively drought-tolerant once established but will benefit from watering during dry periods. With proper care, acacia trees can grow to be quite large and can live for many years. Golden Wattle trees can reach heights of up to 30 metres and live for up to 50 years.

11. How fast does an Acacia tree grow?

The growth rate of Acacia trees varies depending on the species, environmental conditions, and level of care they receive. However, they are generally considered to be fast growers.

Some examples of Acacia growth rates:

• Blackwood acacia (Acacia melanoxylon) can grow up to 1 metre (3 feet) per year in its first few years.
• Golden wattle (Acacia pycnantha) can grow up to 2 metres (6 feet) per year.
• Green acacia (Acacia saligna) can grow up to 2 metres (6 feet) per year.

Acacia trees typically reach their mature height within 10 to 20 years. However, some species can live for up to 100 years or more.

12. What is special about Acacia trees?

Acacia trees are a diverse and fascinating genus of plants with a wide range of special qualities:

1. Acacia trees are incredibly adaptable, growing in a wide range of habitats, from deserts to rainforests. They can tolerate harsh conditions, such as drought, heat, and poor soil.
2. Acacia is the largest genus of flowering plants, with over 1,300 species found all over the world. This diversity means that there is an Acacia for almost any environment.
3. They play an important role in many ecosystems, providing food and shelter for wildlife. Their roots help to stabilise soil and prevent erosion.
4. Acacia trees have a wide range of economic uses with the wood used for furniture, construction, and firewood. The bark is used for tanning leather, and the gum is used in food and medicine.
5. Acacia have been used in traditional medicine and culture for centuries. They are often seen as symbols of strength, resilience, and wisdom.

13. What animals eat acacia trees?

A wide variety of animals eat Acacia trees:

1. Giraffes are the most well-known eaters of Acacia. They can eat up to 150 pounds of acacia leaves and twigs per day.
2. Elephants are also major consumers of Acacia trees. They eat the leaves, bark, and fruit of acacia trees and can eat up to 600 pounds per day.
3. Many species of Antelopes eat Acacia trees, including kudu, impala, and wildebeest.
4. Zebras routinely eat the leaves and twigs of Acacia trees.
5. Rhinos eat the leaves, twigs, and bark of acacia trees. They consume significant amounts of Acacia.

14. How big do Acacia trees get?

The size of an acacia tree can vary greatly depending on the species:

• Blackwood acacia (Acacia melanoxylon): 10-20 meters (33-66 feet)
• Golden wattle (Acacia pycnantha): 4-10 meters (13-33 feet)
• Green acacia (Acacia saligna): 3-10 meters (10-33 feet)
• Umbrella thorn (Acacia tortilis): 5-15 meters (16-49 feet)
• Wattle (Acacia dealbata): 3-12 meters (10-39 feet)

15. What is the spiritual meaning of the Acacia tree?

Acacia trees holds significant spiritual meaning across various cultures and traditions. Its symbolism is often associated with resilience, immortality, wisdom, and transformation. In ancient Egypt, Acacia trees were revered as a symbol of immortality and rebirth. Its evergreen nature, withstanding harsh desert conditions, represented the enduring spirit that transcended physical death. The Egyptians believed that the wood provided protection during the afterlife, crafting funeral wreathes and sarcophagi from its sturdy branches. Similarly, in Hebrew tradition, Acacia played a prominent role in the construction of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary used for worship. Its wood was chosen for its strength and durability, representing the divine presence and the enduring covenant between God and humanity.

In Freemasonry, the tree is a sacred symbol representing immortality and the soul's journey. The sprig of acacia is presented to new Master Masons, signifying their initiation into a deeper understanding of life's mysteries and the transformative power of spiritual enlightenment. Across Africa, Acacia is considered a sacred plant, embodying wisdom, strength, and protection. Its presence is often associated with healing and spiritual guidance. Some African cultures believe that the acacia's thorns possess protective powers, warding off evil spirits and misfortune.

In essence, the acacia tree serves as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of all living things, the enduring power of the human spirit, and the transformative potential that lies within us all.