Fabaceae

salicina – from Latin salicis, referring to pendulous, willow-like habit.

Becomes more common west of Olympic Highway.

Qld, NSW, Vic, SA.

Dry sclerophyll forest, shrubland and woodland in semi-arid regions. Mostly creek banks, and flat alluvial plains and floodplains.

Erect or spreading shrub or tree, 3-10 m high. Brownish, finely fissured bark and deep-green foliage on willow-like drooping branches. Often in dense clumps.

Heavy clay soils to sands. May withstand some inundation. Full sun. Salt tolerant. Drought resistant. Resents frost when young.

Long-lived. Wind-firm. ‘Leaves’ contain large amounts of tannin.

Pale yellow to almost white, usually Feb-Jun.

Dec-Jan. Good crops every few years.

From seed (± 8 viable seeds per gram).

Often seeds, and suckers freely from the roots. Highly palatable to stock, hence fencing recommended for regeneration. Encourage suckering by root ripping or disturbance.

Excellent low to medium-level cover in windbreaks, due to bushiness and suckering.

Valuable in maintaining riverbank stability and for general erosion control, where its suckering is an advantage. Legume — improves soil fertility through ‘fixing’ nitrogen.

Excellent habitat. Native birds and insects eat seed appendages.

Good.

Close-grained, tough, heavy, dark-brown and attractively marked. Used in furniture joinery and craft, and said to rival Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon) timber. Takes a high polish. Used for making bullock yokes and cart shafts in pioneering days.

Tannin-rich bark used to poison fish. ‘Leaves’ reputedly burnt and ash smoked to produce a narcotizing effect. Seeds eaten in some areas.

Useful attractive species for gardens and parks, particularly in dry areas. Responds to water during dry periods.

Excellent drought fodder for sheep and cattle.