Family:
Fabaceae
Acacia buxifolia
Box-leaf Wattle
Other Names:
Regional Subspecies:
A. b. subsp. buxifolia
Similar Species:
Distinguish from Western Golden Wattle (A. decora) by its generally glabrous inflorescence (flower structure) parts and different habitat.
Occurrence:
Regional:
East of the Olympic Highway.
Australia:
Qld, NSW, Vic.
Habitat:
Dry sclerophyll forest, woodland and heath. Often on rocky outcrops and slopes.
Habit:
Erect or spreading shrub, 1-3 m high, with thick blue-grey foliage.
Site Preference:
Well-drained soil. Tolerates frost and dryness.
Characteristics:
Moderate growth rate. Variable habit.
Flowering:
Golden-yellow, Jul-Nov.
Seed Collection:
Early Dec to mid Jan. Monitor closely as seeds released immediately or within 1-2 days of maturity.
Propagation:
From scarified seed (± 58 viable seeds per gram). Pour boiling or very hot water over seeds and soak for several hours before sowing. Also from cuttings.
Regeneration:
From seed, particularly after fire.
VALUES:
Shade & Shelter:
Excellent low-level cover in windbreaks.
Land Protection:
Useful in controlling erosion due to is soil-binding fibrous roots. Legume — improves soil fertility by ‘fixing’ nitrogen.
Wildlife:
Good habitat. Flowers are a food source for native moths, butterflies and other insects. Insect- eating birds attracted. Native birds, including parrots and pigeons, eat seed.
Ornamental:
Attractive ornamental due to foliage and prolific flowers.