Course CodeVHT114Fee CodeS2Duration (approx)100 hoursQualificationTo obtain formal documentation the optional exam(s) must be completed which will incur an additional fee of £30. Alternatively, a letter of completion may be requested. Learn to Identify and Grow Acacias Expand your plant knowledge, improve your career and business opportunities in horticulture Understand how to use wattles for land rehabilitation and other practical purposes Lesson Structure There are 7 lessons in this course: Introduction Review of the system of plant identification, information sources, etc. Plant reviews Physiology of Acacias Flower structure Foliage types within the genus Flower types within the genus Acacia fruits Plant reviews Culture Planting, staking, mulching, watering, feeding, pruning, etc Plant reviews Propagation Methods of propagating Acacias. Propagation of selected varieties. Plant reviews Acacias in the Garden Landscape uses Plant selection Acacias for different situations (Cold hardy, drought hardy, humid climates, summer flowering, autumn flowering, etc) The Design Process Plant reviews Other Uses for Acacias Timber uses Tanning Cut Flowers Food Source Gum Arabic Plant reviews Pest & Diseases Galls, Beetles, Weevils, etc Environmental problems: Frost, Shade, Temperature, Wind Special Project PBL project where you plan the establishment of a collection of different cultivars of Acacias suited to growing in a specified locality. 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. WHY STUDY AND GROW ACACIAS? Acacias have more uses than most people realize. The most obvious use is as a garden plant or perhaps for timber. Acacias are also grown and harvested for a whole range of other purposes. Did you realise that Gum Arabic comes from Acacias? Did you know Acacias can improve soil fertility? Did you realise that some African tribes use Acacias as a major food source for livestock? Do you realise, some Acacias are used to supply medicines? Do you realise native peoples in Australia, Africa and other places eat seeds, flowers, gum and other things harvested from Acacia Who Will Benefit From This Course? Acacia enthusiasts Those interested in bush tucker Those involved in revegetation and rehabilitation of land Those wanting to set up a nursery propagating Acacias