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.