Black-hooked acacia - Acacia laeta

Description and Uses

Acacia laeta (Black-hooked acacia) is a tropical tree from East Africa. It is mainly grown for its conservation crops (medium shelflife), but also Other uses include; apiculture, fodder, fuel, gum resin and timber can be produced. The crop is harvested by total removing. It starts flowering after 3 - 5 years. The powdered leaf is edible. Medical uses include; Array The bark contains - n/a - (? - ?). The tree`s wood is called Laeta wood and has a density of 600 - 800 kg/m³. Regarding firewood production the tree`s growing speed is medium, its energetic value is 4900 ckal/kg and the wood`s drying speed is fast; it might be grown for firewood, see firewood rating in the rating bar. After 35 years the tree can be totally removed as it reached its commercial and ecological goal. Acacia laeta has a lifespan of 50 years.

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Environmental limitations

The tree is 9 meters tall. It is medium growing and tolerates not less light than partial shade. Acacia laeta has a deep root-system and forms symbiotic relations it has symbiotic associations with the Glomus intraradices fungus. (endo-mycorrhiza). It is able to fix nitrogen with Rhizobiaceae bacteria. The tree`s flower-morphology is hermaphroditic and is pollinated by bees. Acacia laeta is deciduous in winter and not allelopathic and has thorns.

Acacia laeta thrives in an altitude of 1200 to 1650 meters above sea-level (tropical). The minimum temperature is -6°C and optimally between 21 - 40°C. The optimal rainfall is 625 mm/year. Without irrigation the annual rainfall should be between 250 - 750 mm (L/m²). The optimal soil-pH is between 6.0 - 8.0 in a soil texture of loam. To salt it is a bit tolerant to wind a bit tolerant and to fire intolerant.

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Pests and Diseases

Acanthoscelides macrophthalmus,Aceria guerreronis and there are no significant diseases diseases.

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Seed Propagation

Seeds are orthodox and can be stored for 4 months. There are approximative 9250 seeds/kg. The seeds can be propagated as followed: (1) Store harvested seeds dry at room temperature, (2) Soak the seeds overnight in warm water before sowing., (3) press the seeds twice its size in the soil soil.

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