Earleaf Acacia
Scientific name: Acacia auriculiformis
Overview
Earleaf Acacia is a fast-growing hardwood native to northern Australia, Papua New Guinea, and parts of Indonesia. It has been widely planted throughout tropical regions of Asia, Africa, and South America for timber production, reforestation, and erosion control. The wood is valued for its moderate density, attractive golden-brown color, and versatility in both construction and woodworking applications.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Earleaf Acacia
- Scientific Name: Acacia auriculiformis
- Region: Oceania & Pacific Hardwoods (Australia, Papua New Guinea, and Indonesia)
- Tree Size: 50–100 ft tall, 1–2 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 42 lbs/ft³ (675 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: Approximately 1,420 lbf
- Color: Yellowish brown to medium brown, sometimes with orange or reddish hues
- Grain: Interlocked to wavy
- Texture: Medium and even
Identification Characteristics
Earleaf Acacia typically produces a golden to medium brown heartwood that darkens slightly with age. The grain is frequently interlocked, occasionally producing attractive figure patterns. The wood has a medium texture and a natural luster that makes it appealing for both decorative and utility applications.
Key identification traits include:
- Golden brown to medium brown coloration
- Interlocked or slightly wavy grain
- Medium and even texture
- Moderately dense structure
- Occasional attractive figure and ribbon patterns
Working Properties
Earleaf Acacia generally works well, although the interlocked grain can occasionally lead to tearout during machining. The wood glues, stains, and finishes well.
- Machines well with sharp tools
- Interlocked grain may cause minor tearout
- Turns and sands well
- Accepts finishes and adhesives readily
- Moderately durable and stable in service
Safety Note
Wood dust may cause irritation in sensitive individuals. Appropriate dust collection and respiratory protection are recommended when machining.
Common Uses
Earleaf Acacia is commonly used in a variety of applications, including:
- Furniture
- Cabinetry
- Flooring
- Interior millwork
- Turned objects
- Tool handles
- Construction timber
- Veneer
Sustainability & Notes
Earleaf Acacia is widely planted throughout tropical regions and is commonly grown in plantation settings. Because of its rapid growth and adaptability, it is considered one of the more sustainable tropical hardwoods available on the market.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Australian Blackwood – A higher-value furniture wood with darker coloration and more decorative figure.
Mangium – Another fast-growing plantation Acacia that shares many working properties and commercial uses.
Pacific Kauri – A lighter and softer timber that is also widely used for furniture and interior applications.
Related Guides
Machining Dense Tropical Hardwoods – Covers techniques for working with moderately dense and interlocked hardwoods.
Plantation vs Wild-Harvested Hardwood – Examines the differences between plantation-grown species and naturally harvested timber.
Best Woods for Furniture Making – Discusses the properties that make certain woods ideal for furniture applications.
Compare Wood Properties
See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.
Collector Notes
Earleaf Acacia is an important species for collectors interested in plantation-grown tropical hardwoods and the global expansion of Australian timber species. Its attractive color, interlocked grain, and increasing commercial importance make it a worthwhile addition to collections focused on Acacia species and sustainable hardwood resources.
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Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
Learn more about contributing to the collection:
Resources
Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:
• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/
• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/
Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.
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Availability & Where to Buy
Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.
As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.
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