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Description
Acacia Terminalis, commonly known as Sunshine Wattle or Sunshine Acacia, is a shrub or small tree that belongs to the Fabaceae family. Native to Australia, it is an evergreen plant that can grow up to 10 meters in height. The plant has a unique architectural form that makes it an excellent choice for landscaping purposes. The branches of the plant are slender and slightly drooping, with bipinnate leaves that are 2-8 cm long. The flowers are yellow, and the fruit is a legume that is 5-10 cm long.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Acacia |
Appearance
Acacia Terminalis is an evergreen plant with a unique architectural form. The plant has a bushy and spreading habit, with slender and slightly drooping branches. The leaves are bipinnate and 2-8 cm long, with a bluish-green hue. The flowers are yellow and appear in late winter or early spring. The fruit is a legume that is 5-10 cm long and contains seeds.
Care Guide
Acacia Terminalis is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some guidelines for taking care of this plant:- Water: Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but avoid overwatering. Allow the soil to dry out slightly before watering again.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in spring and fall with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilization, as it can lead to excessive growth and weak stems.- Soil: Acacia Terminalis prefers well-drained soil that is enriched with organic matter. A soil pH of 6.0-7.5 is ideal.- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can lead to leggy growth.- Hardiness Zones: Acacia Terminalis is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Acacia Terminalis is relatively pest and disease resistant. However, it can be susceptible to the following:- Scale insects: These sap-sucking insects can cause yellowing of the leaves and weaken the plant.- Root rot: Overwatering or poorly drained soil can lead to root rot, which can cause the plant to wilt and die.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves and stems.
Habitat
Acacia Terminalis is native to Australia and is found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, heathlands, and shrublands. The plant is well adapted to dry and arid conditions and can tolerate drought and poor soil conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Acacia Terminalis a fast-growing plant?
A: Yes, Acacia Terminalis is a fast-growing plant that can grow up to 1 meter per year.
Q: Can Acacia Terminalis be grown in a container?
A: Yes, Acacia Terminalis can be grown in a container. However, make sure the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: How often should I prune Acacia Terminalis?
A: Prune Acacia Terminalis once a year in late winter or early spring to promote bushier growth and remove any dead or diseased branches.
Q: Can Acacia Terminalis tolerate frost?
A: No, Acacia Terminalis is not frost-tolerant and should be protected from frost in colder climates.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Acacia Terminalis:- Acacia Baileyana- Acacia Cognata- Acacia Dealbata- Acacia Longifolia- Acacia Melanoxylon
References
– “Acacia Terminalis.” Australian Native Plants Society (Australia), 2021, www.anpsa.org.au/a-ter.html.- “Acacia Terminalis.” Royal Horticultural Society, 2021, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/2343/Acacia-terminalis/Details.
