However, the majority of species have grey smooth or rough bark not likely to attract attention. Phyllodes are reduced to spines on some species Acacias are divided into two major leaf types although there are other minor divisions. The majority of our acacias have what appear to be leaves. Bipinnate-leaved species, it is understood, mostly occur in higher rainfall areas. If acacias are grown from seed, the first leaves to emerge are true leaves and, unless they are going to be bipinnate as adults, will soon develop phyllodes.
Several species maintain their true leaves until they are about one metre tall.
You may have seen A.melanoxylon revert to juvenile leaves when damaged in some way. Some species, for example the northern A.retivenia , display a fine network of veins called anastomoses. There are many variations to be found. The majority of species have glands or extrafloral nectaries as they are sometimes called. Sometimes they are hard to find as they are embedded in the leafstalk or pulvinus.