Elegant Wattle Tree

The Elegant Wattle Tree (Acacia victoriae, Mimosaceae) is a tree cultivated in Riyadh Province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and is well-suited to most environments in the area. It belongs to the Mimosaceae family and has a short lifespan, living for less than fifteen years. Its native habitat is western Australia and tropical and subtropical regions. It is also considered a medicinal plant.

The Elegant Wattle tree grows to a height ranging between two and nine m. Its roots vary from medium to deep, allowing it to access surface water reserves. The tree has drooping green leaves covered with a waxy layer and fragrant yellowish flowers that bloom from early March to the end of June. Its pod-like fruits measure about eight cm and remain on the tree until summer. The tree has a moderate to slow growth rate and is planted in water channels, floodplains, and rocky hills.

The Elegant Wattle tree thrives in well-drained clay and alkaline gravelly soils. It propagates through seeds after scarification or soaking in hot water, as well as through cuttings, making it highly invasive and sometimes classified as a harmful plant. The tree is resistant to urban environments, drought, waterlogging, and moderate salinity levels of up to three thousand parts per million. It requires minimal care and irrigation and can withstand temperatures as low as minus six degrees Celsius.

The Elegant Wattle is planted in public spaces, pedestrian areas, and urban environments. It serves as a windbreak and helps protect soil from erosion. Additionally, it is used for landscaping in parks.