Care of the shrub Acacia cultriformis or Knife-leaf wattle |
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The Acacia genus, Fabaceae family, includes some 1,200 species of shrubs and trees native to Australia, Africa, Asia and South America. Some species of the genus are: Acacia cultriformis, Acacia longifolia, Acacia dealbata, Acacia hebeclada, Acacia tortilis, Acacia truncata, Acacia luederitzii, Acacia dodonaeifolia, Acacia saligna, Acacia paradoxa, Acacia tetragonophylla, Acacia melanoxylon, Acacia karoo, Acacia greggii, Acacia iteaphylla. Common names: Knife-leaf wattle, Dogtooth wattle, Half-moon wattle and Golden-glow wattle. This species is native to Eastern Australia. They are bushes with a rounded shape, highly branched and up to 4 meters (13.12 feet) high. The leaves are alternate, rhomboidal in shape and grayish green. The abundant and showy flowers are of an intense yellow color. The flowering season is from late winter to early summer. They are used as isolated specimens or in small groups next to walls that protect them from strong winds. It's important not to plant them near curbs and paved areas due to the strength of their shallow roots. Acacia cultriformis needs full sun exposure and a frost-free warm climate. They can be grown in any type of soil except calcareous and very clayey; they prefer good drainage. They have a good resistance to drought so they will be watered moderately throughout the year except in summer, when watering will be increased but waiting until the soil has dried. Fertilize with compost in early fall. Pruning after flowering is recommended to give them a compact appearance. Its expansion should also be controlled because it can become an invasive plant. They are very resistant plants to the habitual plagues and diseases. They can propagate by cuttings in summer but it is easier to do it from seeds sown in spring. The seeds must be soaked a couple of days before sowing. |
Images of the shrub Acacia cultriformis or Knife-leaf wattle |
 Acacia cultriformis  Acacia cultriformis |