Acacia mearnsii

Species category

Weed

Common name

black wattle

Diagnostic characters

Planting unit

True seedTrue seed:
A mature fertilized ovule consisting of an embryo, with or without and external food reserve (e.g., endosperm) enclosed by the testa.

Shape

ObovateObovate:
Inverted egg shaped with apical end the broadest.

Size

  • Length: 4–4.5 mm
  • Width: 2.6–3 mm
  • Thickness: 1–1.2 mm

Color

Black

Texture

Moderately smooth

Other structures

Funicular tissue known as an arilAril:
An outgrowth of the ovule or funiculus.
is attached to the hilumHilum:
The scar on the seed coat at the place of its detachment from the seed stalk (funiculus).
, which may or not be present.

Identification notes

A well defined line (pleurogram) following the outer margin of the seed. The area within the pleurogram is slightly raised. The arilAril:
An outgrowth of the ovule or funiculus.
is white to yellow and may or may not be present.

Noxious weed seed categories

State Noxious Weed: Hawaii

AOSA examination list

Not included

Nomenclature

Family

Fabaceae

Valid name

Acacia mearnsii De Wild.

Synonyms

Acacia decurrens (Wendl. f.) Willd. var. mollis Lindl.

 Acacia mearnsi.  Aril is attached to the hilum. Photo courtesy of Colorado State University, Department of Soil and Crop Sciences.
Acacia mearnsi. Aril is attached to the hilum. Photo courtesy of Colorado State University, Department of Soil and Crop Sciences.