Climatology of Acacia mearnsii. 1. Characteristics of natural sites and exotic plantations

Climatic variation in the natural distribution of Acacia mearnsii in Australia was analysed. Data from sites where the species has been successfully grown in plantations and trials in Africa, Asia and South America were used to determine the species' climatic adaptability. Annual mean temperatures at these plantations and trial sites ranged from 13.9 to 23.9°C, whilst annual mean precipitation ranged from 693 to 2263 mm. The coldest month minimum temperature at these sites was –0.6°C. This information, along with other details of climatic requirements presented in the paper, will assist in selecting sites for future trials at new locations.