Phenology of Australian acacias in the S.W. Cape, South Africa, and its implications for management

Abstract

Australian acacias introduced to the Cape about 145 years ago are replacing indigenous vegetation over extensive lowland areas. This paper describes their growth, litter-fall, reproductive and nectar secretion phenology. Results indicate that growth and litter-fall are seasonal events, but timing varies with species and site. However, reproductive phenology is characteristic of a species, and varies little with time and place. Nectar secretion appears to be associated with both growth and flowering. Comments are made on the use of these phenological data in distribution mapping, control and utilization.