Acacia auriculiformis typically thrives in lowland regions, particularly along perennial rivers and semi-perennial creeks, where it often establishes scattered populations throughout drainage systems. This adaptable species can also be found in a variety of habitats, including savannas, woodlands, swamp margins, coastal savannas, grasslands, monsoon forests, coastal zones, and riverbanks. Renowned as pioneer species, Acacia auriculiformis boasts a resilient root system that flourishes in challenging conditions, such as infertile, waterlogged, saline, and alkaline soils. The tree produces an abundance of fragrant flowers year-round, attracting bees and other pollinators. Moreover, the presence of Kerenga ants, which feed on the tree's sugar-rich sap, enhances its ecological importance.

Since the late 1800s, Acacia auriculiformis has been introduced to numerous tropical and subtropical regions for ornamental and industrial purposes. For example, it was first planted in Singapore in 1890, valued for its beauty, self-fertilization capabilities, and the ample leaf litter it produces. In new environments, Acacia auriculiformis often flourishes and can outcompete native plant species, thanks to its symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in its roots and its prolific seed production, which enables it to swiftly assert dominance.

Trees reproduce via seeds, which are remarkably lightweight, with as many as 47,000 seeds contained in just one kilogram. Their diminutive size facilitates dispersal, allowing them to be effortlessly transported by wind and water. Additionally, birds contribute to this process by consuming the seeds.

Acacia auriculiformis (Fabaceae)