Family:
Fabaceae
Acacia montana
Mallee Wattle
Other Names: n/a
Name Origin:
montana — from Latin montanus, pertaining to or growing on mountains, referring to mountainous habitat, although it occurs more widely on slopes and plains.
Regional Subspecies:
n/a
Habit:
Erect or spreading shrub, 1-3.5 m high, fissured grey bark, angled or flattened branchlets, straight sticky ‘leaves.’ Golden-yellow flowers, Aug-Nov, abundant. Fast-growing.
Habitat & Site Preference:
Mallee, sandy red earths, stony ridges, and heavy clay soils. Prefers well-drained light to heavy soil in partial or full sun. Tolerates frost. Prefers 350 – 450 mm rainfall in the Riverina.
Seed Collection & Propagation:
Collect mid Nov-mid Dec. Propagate from scarified seed or cuttings. Regenerates from seed and coppice after fire.
Values & Uses:
Excellent low-level cover in windbreaks. Improves soil fertility (legume). Good habitat. Useful ornamental for hot dry areas, road batters, and low-maintenance sites.