|
General
Acacia victoriae Benth.
Mimosaceae
Life form: Evergreen shrub or tree
|
En: Elegant wattle, Bramble wattle,
Narran. |
|
Fr: Acacia victoria |
Provenance: Australia
Distribution in Israel
The elegant wattle is one of the most frequent alien species
in the natural areas north to Beer-Sheva, i.e. in the semiarid
region of Israel. Unlike the other Australian acacias found in
this region, Acacia victoriae' distribution is not restricted
to river banks. A multitude of nascent foci, which may turn to
dense stands, have been reported for the first time in 2005.
Numerous emerging populations are developing near to afforested
patches where Acacia victoriae has been planted.
Proliferation status
According to terminology suggested by Richardson et al.
(2000) Acacia victoriae is an "invasive" alien
in the region considered.
Acacia victoriae in Israel
The introduction date of Acacia victoriae to Israel is
not clear, however it is thought to have been introduced to Israel
before the 1970s, and possibly even during the British mandate
period. Acacia victoriae was used for soil stabilisation
mainly in the semiarid and arid parts of the country.
The elegant wattle was one of the main species planted in the
late 1980s as part of the "savanisation" plan on loess
soils in the open areas north to the city of Beer-Sheva. It is
quite likely that the recent proliferation of Acacia victoriae
originates in this afforestation effort.
Numerous foci with Acacia victoriae were recently found,
among them pure stands are progressively forming and not necessarily
around watering points. Moreover, numerous seedlings were reported
in the most developed stands, suggesting a high recruitment level.
The recent proliferation of Acacia victoriae is actually
alarming as it seems to have a very high spreading rate. A close
follow-up is crucial in order to determine whether this recent
proliferation is temporary or is permanent and increasing.
Control
There is virtually no published information about the control
methods which can be used against Acacia victoriae.
Since it vigorously regenerates from suckers, physical control
is presumably inefficient.
The efficiency of the most common herbicide such as Glyphosate
or Triclopyr remains unreported in literature.
No biological methods have been developed so far against the
elegant wattle.
References
Simmons M.H. (1981) Acacias of Australia, vol.1, Nelson.
Whibley D.J.E. & Symon D.E.
(1992) Acacias of South Australia. 2nd edition, South Australian
Government Printer, Adelaide. |
