Acacia paradoxa (Kangaroo Thorn) is a shrub which grows to a height of 5 metres. It has a hardiness rating of 8. Kangaroo Thorn will flower in August to November. The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by bees.
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Family: | Leguminosae |
Habit: | Shrub |
Height: | 5 metres |
Width: | 10 |
Range: | Australia - New South Wales, Victoria |
Acacia paradoxa Plant Profile
Ideal Planting Conditions
Kangaroo Thorn will grow in light (sandy), medium (loamy), hard (clay) soil. It is important for the soil to be well drained. Kangaroo Thorn prefers either dry or moist soils. Kangaroo Thorn should not be planted in shady areas.
Kangaroo Thorn Cultivation Details
A very tough plant that stands both wet and drought well, it is lime-tolerant and also withstands salt-laden winds. Prefers a sandy loam and a very sunny position. Succeeds in dry soils. Succeeds in any good garden soil that is not excessively limey.
Most members of this genus become chlorotic when grown on limey soils. Trees are not very hardy outdoors in Britain, they tolerate occasional temperatures down to between -5 and -10°C, but even in the mildest areas of the country they are likely to be killed in excessively harsh winters.
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilised by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby.
Kangaroo Thorn Edible Uses*
Flowers - cooked. Rich in pollen, they are often used in fritters.
How to Propagate Acacia paradoxa
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a sunny position in a warm greenhouse. Stored seed should be scarified, pre-soaked for 12 hours in warm water and then sown in a warm greenhouse in March. The seed germinates in 3-4 weeks at 25°C.
As soon as the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots and grow them on in a sunny position in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts, and consider giving them some protection from the cold for their first winter outdoors.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel, July/August in individual pots in a frame. Overwinter in a greenhouse for the first winter and plant out in their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. Fair percentage.
Other Uses
A yellow dye is obtained from the flowers. A green dye is obtained from the seed pods. Plants are heavily armed with thorns and make a good screen or hedge in warm temperate areas.
References
- The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. Author: Huxley. A.
- Flora of the Sydney Region Author: Carolin. R. & Tindale. M.
