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.