Fabaceae

Small, bushy shrubs, 1-3 m high. Silver-grey leaves. Short-lived. Golden-yellow, sweet-scented flowers (Jun-Nov). Several subspecies, which tend to hybridise.

Variable, including mallee, Currawang, Mulga, Belah-Rosewood, Bimble Box, Red Box, and White Cypress Pine communities. Moderately well-drained soil in full sun. Prefers 200 – 500 mm rainfall in the Riverina.

Collect early Dec-mid Mar, seeds shed quickly. Propagate from scarified seed (boil or soak in hot water, then dry) or cuttings. Regenerates readily from seed, establishes well when direct seeded. Tolerates drought and frost (heavy frost may damage tips).

Useful low-level cover in windbreaks, important understory component. Improves soil fertility (legume). Excellent habitat. Ornamental for gardens or low hedges due to attractive foliage and abundant flowers.