Acacia holosericea aka Candelabra Wattle

Acacia holosericea is a shrub or small tree in Fabaceae. It comes from the north and north-central parts of Australia. Its range takes in Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland. It grows in the tropics, where part of each year is dry. It often grows along streams and other watercourses. Wild plants grow in sand with gravel, or in loam. They grow in open forest, monsoon forest and vine thickets.

The plant grows fast and often has several main stems. These hold a broad, dense crown. One source gives a height of about 20 feet [6 metres]. Its full account gives 10–26 feet [3–8 metres]. Young seedlings have true leaves. As plants mature, they grow phyllodes instead. These are flat parts that look like leaves. Their silver colour adds much to the plant's garden appeal. Long spikes bear yellow flowers, which give way to twisted pods. The pods hold small, black seeds shaped like rectangles. Insects and birds bring pollen to the flowers.

Grow this plant in full sun, in soil that drains well. It accepts poor soils but does not like heavy soil. It prefers a soil pH of 5.5–7.5. It can cope with more acid or alkaline soil too. Once plants take root, they cope with dry spells. They also cope with brief floods in the wet season. Warm days of 24–32°C suit it best. Plants at rest may survive a brief drop to about −1°C. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 10–12. The plant needs a warm climate and withstands little frost.

People plant it for shelter, to hold soil and to repair land. Its silver growth, flower spikes and curled pods add garden value. The hard, dense wood has a dark brown centre. People use it for small turned objects, fuel and charcoal. Past uses include spear shafts and soap making. People have also used the phyllodes, bark and pods as medicine. Reports list use for itchy skin, headaches and infections in the tropics. These records show past use, not proof that treatment is safe.

People have eaten the seeds after careful work to prepare and cook them. They have also ground them into flour. The seeds contain toxins; do not eat them without this care. The work to prepare them can give off a bad smell. Reports also note use of the plant as a fish poison. To grow plants from seed, it helps to break the hard seed coat. Scarification means making breaks in that coat. This and soaking help seeds take up water before sowing.