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Acacia pycnantha is a variable shrub to tree, reaching a height of eight metres with a wide spread. This particular species is the basis for Australia’s floral emblem.
In NSW, it is found primarily on the south-western slopes and southern tablelands of NSW. Occurrences on the central western slopes, central coast, as well as, north-far western plains, are thought to be introductions. Acacia pycnantha occurs naturally over much of Victoria and extends into South Australia, as far west as Streaky Bay. This species has naturalised outside its natural range. It is a weed in Western Australia and South Africa.
Australian Wattles at least, can be broadly placed into 1 of 3 recognisable groups:
This wattle belongs to Group 1.
The phyllodes are up to 20 centimetres long, broadest in the middle and tapering at both ends. Each phyllode has a prominent gland near the base of the phyllode. They are visible on the two lower phyllodes in the photo.
Very small staminate flowers are produced in globular heads, golden yellow, with up to 80 flowers per head with heads to 10 mm in diametre. Heads are clustered into axillary racemes and well as terminal racemes or panicles, with up to 25 heads; flowering in spring.
Pods are long and narrow, to 15 cm long and only to 1 cm wide.
Reportedly easy to grow. It grows fast on a range of soils, provided drainage is adequate. It may be short-lived.
It grows best in temperate areas as well a semi-arid areas.
Excellent for creating habitat for insects. It flowers spectacularly. Grow in full sun for best results.
After the flowers fade, they should be cut off to promote fresh growth and maximum flowering.
Propagate from seed that should be soaked in boiling water before sowing.
The bark has been used for tanning leather and the foliage for dyeing. Early settlers used a bark extract to treat diarrhoea and dysentery.
The type was collected near Wedderburn, west of Bendigo, Victoria and named in 1842.
Most wattles will die in a fire and regenerate from seed. Some species exhibit suckering from basal parts and roots.
Acacia is a highly diverse genus, with over 1500 recognised species (placing it in the top-10 most-diverse plant genera) occurring in most continents except for Europe. Australia has about 970 spp., most of which are endemic. There are also about 10 exotic species. NSW has about 235 recognised species. Some species have become weeds in other states outside of their natural range (e.g., wattles from Western Australia into NSW and vice versa).
Acacia – from Greek Akakia – which refers to an Ancient Greek preparation made from one of the many species; the name of which derives from akis, meaning “thorn” – referring to the thorns of species in Africa.
pycnantha – from Greek pycnos (πυκνοϛ) – meaning “dense” and antha – Greek (via Latin) anthir (ανθήρ) meaning “anthers” (or “flowers”) – referring to the dense nature of the globular heads (up to 80 flowers per head!).
This species is not considered to be at risk of extinction in the wild.
NSW Flora Online (PlantNET) – Acacia pycnantha profile page https://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Acacia~pycnantha
Botanic Gardens of South Australia – Plant Selector – Acacia pycnantha profile page http://plantselector.botanicgardens.sa.gov.au/Plants/Details/2715
Gardening with Angus – Acacia pycnantha profile page https://www.gardeningwithangus.com.au/acacia-pycnantha-wattle/