Blue-Leaved Wattle (Acacia saligna)

Prefers a sandy loam and a very sunny position[1, 260], though it also succeeds in dry soils and is tolerant of wet conditions[260]. Succeeds in any good garden soil that is not excessively limey[11, 260]. Most species become chlorotic on limey soils[200]. Tolerates salt-laden winds and maritime exposure[200]. An extremely rugged tree, it grows rapidly, is adaptable to barren slopes, derelict land, and exceptionally arid conditions[269]. Reported from the Australian Centre of Diversity, orange wattle, or cvs thereof, is reported to tolerate alkalinity, drought, heavy soil, poor soil, salinity, salt spray, sand, shade, slope, waterlogging, and weeds[269]. 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[11]. Plants spread by means of suckers[200] and trees that have been killed in cold weather can sometimes regrow from the roots. Regrowth of established bushes is so good that Acacia saligna can be completely grazed off without harming the plants[269]. Because of its hardiness and profuse reproductive abilities, Acacia saligna has become a serious menace in parts of South Africa by invading and displacing indigenous vegetation[269]. It infests water courses (sometimes decreasing the water available for irrigation), and has proved difficult to eradicate[269]. 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 utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[200]. It also has a symbiotic relationship with ants[200].