| Origins | Australia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. |
|---|---|
| Applications | Big-leaved Acacia is widely cultivated in many districts of Hong Kong. The species is one of the common tree species found in urban area and country parks. With a rapid growth rate, less requirement on soil condition, and tolerance to wind and fire, it is widely used in plantation forestry programmes in Asia and the Pacific regions for ameliorating eroded badland, and as windbreaks and firebreaks. Since the species has root nodules, containing nitrogen-fixing bacteria which can enhance nitrogen cycling, it can improve soil fertility. A research has revealed that mixing Acacia mangium Willd. in Eucalyptus plantations can reduce their reliance on chemical fertilizers. In addition, its timber can be processed to pulp, paper, furniture, firewood, charcoal, etc. Its sawdust can be used for growing edible mushroom. |
| Real leaves and fake leaves | The leaves of Acacia confusa Merr., Acacia mangium Willd. and Acacia auriculiformis A. Cunn. ex Benth. are reduced into the “tiny black spots” which are located at the end of “fake leaves”. The function of photosynthesis is carried out by the phyllodes, which are modified from the petioles. The true leaves only appear in the seed germination stage, where they then fall off. Therefore, what we seen in forms of leaves are the modified petioles. |
