Acacias

Garden School -Distance Learning Course

Become an expert on Acacias

Acacias occur naturally mainly in dry tropical or mild temperate regions.  Authorities vary on the exact number of species that exist, but more are native to Australia than anywhere else. Other species are as wide spread as Africa, America and South East Asia. Some occur naturally in snow prone areas, and can withstand very harsh winter conditions.

Acacias are mostly shrubs and trees. Some are very low growing and can be used effectively as ground covers. Growing Acacias in areas outside of their natural conditions can be somewhat unpredictable and variable.

• Some have adapted well as garden plants, or as windbreak or screening plants.
• Others have become weeds when transplanted beyond their indigenous area.
• Some have other uses and a number are even farmed commercially to produce products as diverse as extracts for medicines, oil for the perfume industry, edible food products, and timber products for fencing, furniture and building construction.

This course attempts to develop your ability to both identify and use different Acacias.

Lesson Structure

There are 8 lessons in this course:

1. Introduction
   • Review of the system of plant identification, information sources, etc.
2. Physiology of Acacias
3. Culture
   • Planting, staking, mulching, watering, feeding, pruning, etc
4. Propagation
   • Methods of propagating Acacias.
   • Propagation of selected varieties.
5. Acacias in the Garden.
6. Other Uses for Acacias.
7. Pest & Diseases
8. Special Project

Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school's tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.

Aims

• Describe the way in which Acacias are classified.
• Determine how to find reliable resource information that relates to Acacias
• Describe the physiology of Acacias
• Determine cultural requirements that are common to Acacias
• Determine propagation methods that are commonly applicable to Acacias.
• Describe a variety of commercial uses for Acacias.
• Describe a range of other practical uses for Acacias.
• Identify and recommend treatment for a variety of health problems occurring with Acacias.
• Develop an in depth understanding of one aspect of Acacia Growing.

• The most obvious use is as a garden plant; or perhaps a timber.
• Acacias are also grown and harvested for a whole range of purposes.
• Did you realize that Gum Arabic comes from Acacias?
• Did you realize that some African tribes use Acacias as a major food source for livestock?
• Do you realize, some Acacias are used to supply medicines?
• Do you realize native peoples in Australia, Africa and other places eat seeds, flowers, gum and other things harvested from Acacias

  Want To Learn More .... This course offers a unique opportunity to do just that!

“There are so many uses for these fantastic plants. Learning all about them is so very helpful for land rehabilitation and even hobbies.”- Tracey Morris Dip.Hort., Cert.Hort., Cert III Organic Farming, ACS Tutor.