Family:

Fabaceae

Acacia oswaldii

Miljee

Other Names: Umbrella Wattle (Vic), Nelia (Qld), Umbrella Bush.

Name Origin:

oswaldii — after F. Oswald, 19th century collector for F. von Mueller.

Regional Subspecies:

Similar Species:

Distinguish from Boree (A. pendula) by ‘leaves’. Miljee ‘leaves’ are sharp-tipped.

Occurrence:

Regional:

Noted in Brookong catchment. Becomes widespread to the west of the region.

Australia:

Mainland states and territories.

Habitat:

Widespread in various habitats and vegetation communities, including open eucalypt forest or among other acacias.

Habit:

Densely branched erect or spreading shrub or small tree, 2-6 m high. Finely fissured dark grey bark and angled or flattened branchlets. Sharp-tipped ‘leaves’ and large woody twisted pods.

Site Preference:

Heavy to moderately-drained soil. Partial or full sun. Tolerates drought and frost.

Characteristics:

Moderate growth rate. Lifespan beyond several decades. Often appears umbrella-shaped due to regular trimming by livestock.

Flowering:

Golden-yellow or pale-yellow, Oct-Dec.

Seed Collection:

Dec to late Feb. Monitor closely as seeds released immediately or within 1-2 days of maturity. Abundant seeder every few years.

Propagation:

From scarified seed (± 6 viable seeds per gram).

Regeneration:

From seed. Birds disperse seeds around vegetated areas.

VALUES:

Shade & Shelter:

Useful low-level cover in windbreaks.

Land Protection:

Legume — improves soil fertility by ‘fixing’ nitrogen.

Wildlife:

Prickly dense foliage good cover for birds.

Fuel:

Very good.

Timber:

Timber heavy, close-grained, durable and disagreeably-scented. Not commonly used, although reputedly suitable for cabinet work.

First Nations:

Clubs and other weapons made from timber. Seeds ground to edible paste.

Ornamental:

Ornamental value.

Other:

Subsistence fodder. Pods eaten by sheep.