Fabaceae

n/a

Rocky outcrops of the following areas: Urana-Rand-Corowa; Narrandera-Morundah-Galore-Collingullie; Burrumbuttock-West Hume; Bowna-Jindera; Walla Walla; Yambla; Holbrook; Upper Back & Upper Jerra Jerra; Ten Mile; The Rock-Henty Milbrulong; Brookong; Upper Sandy; Buckargingah; Burkes-Graveyard; Lower Kyeamba & Main; O’Briens South & McLeods; Upper Kyeamba and Keajura.

All mainland states and territories, but mainly NSW (western slopes – plains region) and eastern Vic.

Eucalypt and Callitris woodland on rocky ridges and mallee on red sand.

Erect or spreading tree or shrub, 3-8 m high. Dense crown of olive-green narrow ‘leaves’.

Well-drained soil in open situations. Frost and drought tolerant. Semi-shade to full sun.

Stock occasionally eat the foliage. Slow-growing but long-lived.

Bright yellow, usually Aug-Nov.

Early Dec-late Jan. Monitor closely, as seeds dropped soon after maturity.

From scarified seed (± 100 viable seeds per gram). Pour boiling or very hot water over seed and soak for several hours before drying and sowing.

From seed, particularly after fire.

Useful low-level cover in windbreaks.

Good growth in rocky erodible soil and on recharge areas. Legume — improves soil fertility through ‘fixing’ nitrogen.

Good habitat. Provides pollen for native moths, butterflies and other insects, which attract insect-eating birds. Appears to be the most prolific pollen producer of all wattles. Birds including parrots and native pigeons eat seeds.

Excellent, produces a hot fire.

Dark brown, very hard and heavy. Pleasantly perfumed when freshly cut. Resembles Blackwood (A. melanoxylon) timber, but is heavier and less-grained. Tends to split, but still valuable for furniture.

Spears reputedly made from the wood.

Attractive specimen for gardens.