Port Jackson Willow
Acacia saligna
NEMBA category
English: Port Jackson Willow
Afrikaans: Goudwilger
Port Jackson Willow is native to Australia and was introduced to South Africa in the 1880's to stabilise coastal sands along roads. With no natural enemies, a long-living seed bank and due to a lack of or insufficient management the species spread fast and aggressively throughout South Africa.
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Origins:
South-western Australia
Overall Appearance:
Acacia saligna is a fast-growing, evergreen shrub or small tree that can reach heights of up to 8 meters. It has a spreading, often weeping habit with numerous slender branches.
Leaves:
Instead of typical leaves, Acacia saligna has flattened, leaf-like structures called phyllodes. These phyllodes are long, narrow, and drooping, resembling willow leaves. They are typically 7-25 cm long and 0.5-2 cm wide, with a bluish-green color.
Flowers:
Small, fragrant, golden-yellow flowers are arranged in spherical clusters. These clusters are further grouped into elongated racemes. Flowering typically occurs from late winter to early spring.
Fruits:
Flattened, brown pods containing numerous small, hard seeds.
Seeds:
Small, dark brown seeds that are dispersed by wind, water, and animals.
Bark:
Smooth, grey-brown bark that may become slightly fissured with age.
Wood:
The wood is relatively soft and lightweight.
Soil Type:
Adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It can tolerate saline conditions.
Aspect:
Prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade.
Edibility:
No parts of the plant are typically consumed.
Toxicity:
No known toxicity to humans. However, it can suppress the growth of native plants and alter soil chemistry.
Uses:
Historically, it was planted for erosion control, as a windbreak, and for its tannin-rich bark.
Control:
Port Jackson Willow is an important invader of Fynbos vegetation. Successful biological control, using an introduced gall-forming rust fungus (Uromycladium tepperianum), has greatly reduced the densities of populations and in the long term should provide complete control of this invader.
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