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.