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Accession Count: 10

Acacia craspedocarpa

Common Name: leather leaf acacia, hop mulga, wattle
Family Name: Fabaceae
Botanical Name: Acacia craspedocarpa
Synonyms:
Family Synonyms: Leguminosae
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:

<span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif">Acacia craspedocarpa<span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif"> is
a dense, rounded, evergreen shrub that grows up to 5 m (15 ft) tall and half as
wide. Its "leaves", which are actually modified leaf petioles are alternately
arranged on the stem, obovate ifn shape, 1.5 cm (3.4 inch) long and gray-green
in color. They are rough to the touch due to many branched veins and leathery. Flowers
are yellow, borne in small 1 cm (1/2 in) cylindrical inflorescences in the leaf
axils in the spring and intermittently at other times of the year. Fruits are
legume pods, which are 5-10 cm (2-4 in) long and 2-4 cm (1-2 in) wide, are
green initially and tan at maturity. They are slightly raised in the center where
the seeds are located and very flattened along the edges. The name
craspedocarpa (from the Greek words meaning margin and fruit) refers to this
distinctive feature. <o:p></o:p>
Compound: Aca cra
Geographic Origin: Australia
Ecozone Origin: Australsia
Biome Origin:
Natural History:

<span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:
"Tahoma",sans-serif">Native to Australia, Acacia species are generally found
growing in sandy or rocky soil (2). Their ability to form symbiotic associations
with N-fixing microbes in the soil allow them to grow in these nutrient poor soils.
Seeds of acacia spp. are high in protein and serve not only as
a nutritious food source for large animals but also a source of food and shelter
for bruchidae seed weevils (2). Eggs are laid in or on the
immature pod, and when the larvae hatch they penetrate, consume, grow, and
pupate inside of the seed (2). Seeds dispersal may be dispersed by birds or in
a mammal's feces (2). Acacia craspedocarpa is native to the southwest quadrant
of Western (NE of Perth) where it grows in plains and along water ways (5).

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Cultivation Notes:

<span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif">Acacia<span style="font-size:14.0pt;
line-height:115%;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif"> spp. can tolerate
drought, and poor soil conditions. Plant in full sun to part shade (2). It
should be planted in well-drained soils, as excess water can cause it to rot.
It is highly drought tolerant once established and is very low maintenance. This specimen can
be used as a barrier, screen, or informal hedge in a landscape when left
unpruned, while pruning for structure early in its development and produce a small
tree that casts dense shade.  A. craspedocarpa is hardy
down to at least -8C (18°F) (5) The seeds of this and many other Acacia spp.
require scarification before planting to improve germination success. Sulfuric
acid is the most commonly used scarifying agent (2, 3). Treated seeds may be
stored for a short amount of time before planting (2). Acacia spp.
are most commonly propagated by seed, but it is also possible to propagate
using cuttings, or using micropropagation techniques (3). Cuttings are
considered difficult to root but may be improved by rooting under mist using 8000
ppm IBA talc (3). <o:p></o:p>
Ethnobotany:

<span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:
"Tahoma",sans-serif">The bark, leaves, and root of many species of acacia
(there are over seven hundred) are widely used for medicinal purposes by the
aboriginal Australians (1). Ailments of a wide variety are treated with some
form of Acacia spp., including diarrhea, laryngitis, venereal
diseases, cuts and abrasions, skin irritation, the pain of childbirth, sores,
scabies, aching joints, and congestion (1). The bark is used to make bandages
and the wood is used to make boomerangs, spears, ax handles, digging sticks,
music sticks, shields, and other tools (1).<o:p></o:p>
Height: 11 - 15 feet
Width: 11 - 15 feet
Growth Rate: Slow Growing
Grow Season: Summer
Flower Season: Spring
Color: Yellow
Function: Screen
Spread: Non-spreading
Allergen: Non-allergenic
Invasive: Benign
Toxicity: Benign
Hardy: Hardy
Water Use: Low water Use
Citations:

1. Appetiti, E. (n.d.). Remedies from the Bush: Traditional Medicine Among the Australian Aborigines. Handbook of Medicinal Plants. Food Products Press. Print.

2. FAO Handbook on seeds of dry-zone acacias

3. Hartmann, K.T., and Kester, D.E. (2011). Plant Propagation: Principles and Practices (8th ed.). New Jersey: Prentice Hall. Print.

4. Maslin, B.R. (2001). Acacia craspedocarpa, Flora of Australia, 11B: 1. Print.

Starr, Greg. Star Nursery. Personal Communication. 

5. Desert Legume Program, Retrieved June 29, 2025. 

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Acacia craspedocarpa