 In Africa, "A. mearnsii" competes with local vegetation for nitrogen and water resources, which are particularly scarce in certain regions, endangering the livelihoods of millions of people.In its native range "A. mearnsii" is a tree of tall woodland and forests in subtropical and warm temperate regions.In Africa the species grows in disturbed areas, range/grasslands, riparian zones, urban areas, water courses, and mesic habitats at an altitude of between 600-1700m.