Family:

Fabaceae

Acacia gunnii

Ploughshare Wattle

(syn. Racosperma gunnii; Acacia vomiferous)

Other Names: Dog’s Tooth Wattle

Name Origin:

gunnii — after R.C. Gunn, early Tasmanian botanist.

Regional Subspecies:

Occurrence:

Regional:

Noted in various catchments and districts east of the Olympic Highway, from Albury district to Bringenbrong-Khancoban district.

Australia:

Qld, NSW, Vic, Tas, SA.

Habitat:

Sclerophyll communities on various soils.

Habit:

Spreading or sprawling to erect shrub, 1-2 m high, with hairy branchlets.

Site Preference:

Well-drained light to heavy soils, partial shade or full sun. Tolerates frost and dryness once established.

Flowering:

Golden-yellow to almost white, usually Jul-Oct.

Seed Collection:

Late Nov to early Jan. Monitor closely as seeds released immediately or within 1-2 days of maturity.

Propagation:

From scarified seed or cuttings. Pour boiling or very hot water over seeds and soak for several hours before sowing.

Regeneration:

From seed, particularly after fire. Shortage of seed usually precludes establishment through direct seeding.

VALUES:

Shade & Shelter:

Useful low-level cover in windbreaks.

Land Protection:

Useful in controlling soil erosion due to soil-binding fibrous roots. Legume — improves soil fertility by ‘fixing’ nitrogen.

Wildlife:

Good habitat. Flowers are a nectar and pollen source for various native birds and insects.

Ornamental:

Useful groundcover for rockeries.