Family:
Fabaceae
Acacia pravissima
Tumut Wattle
Other Names: Wedge-leaved Wattle, Ovens Wattle.
Name Origin:
pravissima — meaning most irregular or asymmetrical, referring to branching.
Regional Subspecies:
Occurrence:
Regional:
Noted in Upper Gilmore.
Australia:
NSW, Vic.
Habitat:
Sclerophyll forest and woodland.
Habit:
Erect or spreading shrub or small tree, 3-8 m high. Grey, smooth or finely fissured bark, angled or flattened branchlets and dense foliage.
Site Preference:
Light to medium soils. Tolerates frost, seasonal waterlogging and drought.
Characteristics:
Fast-growing.
Flowering:
Golden-yellow, Sep-Nov.
Seed Collection:
Early-late Dec. Monitor closely as seeds dropped soon after pods turn brown.
Propagation:
From scarified seed (± 114 viable seeds per gram). Pour boiling water over seeds and soak for several hours before sowing.
Regeneration:
From seed after disturbance such as fire, and along stony or sandy streamsides after flood.
VALUES:
Shade & Shelter:
Excellent low-level cover in windbreaks.
Land Protection:
Excellent for controlling streambank erosion due to soil-binding fibrous roots. Useful component in rehabilitation works due to ability to improve soil fertility, through ‘fixing’ nitrogen.
Wildlife:
Flowers are a pollen source for native moths, butterflies and other insects. Insect-eating, seed- eating and nectar feeding birds attracted.
Ornamental:
Attractive foliage and prolific flowers. Prune after flowering to prevent straggly growth.
Other:
Foliage dyes wool a range of colours depending on mordants used.