Acacia paradoxa

South West Slopes Revegetation Guide

Acacia paradoxa

Hedge WattleAcacia paradoxa

Species Information

Synonyms A. armata
Common Names Hedge Wattle, Kangaroo Thorn, Prickly Acacia, Wild Irishman
Family Mimosaceae - Mimosa family.
Name Origin paradoxa - from Latin paradoxus, contrary to the usual type.

Specimen Data - CSU 647

Location Goobang National Park, central section along creek valley south of Cookamobil Ridge. NSW
Notes Found in a valley in a open forest on a gentle slope in sandy loam soil. Zone: 55 Easting: 630707 Northing: 6353510
Collector Lunt, Ian Date 08/09/1999
Determined By Lunt, Ian Date 09/11/1999

South West Slopes Revegetation Guide Information

Regional: Widespread in drier forests of most catchments and districts.
Australia: Qld, NSW, Vic, SA, WA. Introduced in Tas.
Habitat: Various communities and soils.
Habit: Erect or spreading shrub 2.5-4 m high. Dark green foliage, fine thorns and finely fissured brownish-grey bark.
Similar Species:
Site Preference:
Characteristics: Fast-growing. Lifespan up to several decades. Prickliness precludes grazing by livestock. May spread in some districts.
Flowering: Golden-yellow, July-Nov.
Seed Collection: Early Dec to mid Jan. Monitor closely as seeds released immediately or within 1-2 days of maturity.
Propagation: From scarified seed ( 75 viable seeds per gram). Pour boiling or very hot water over seeds and soak for several hours before sowing.
Regeneration: From seed after disturbance such as fire. Colonises steep bare banks in shallow soils. Readily established when direct seeded.
Timber:
Shade and Shelter: Useful low-level cover in windbreaks in districts where known not to spread.
Land Protection: Useful for controlling soil erosion due to soil-binding fibrous roots, and for improving soil fertility. Legume - improves soil fertility by 'fixing' nitrogen.
Wildlife: Excellent habitat. Very useful refuge and nesting sites for small birds, such as wrens and thornbills due to prickliness. Flowers are a food source for moths, \ butterflies and other insects. Insect-eating birds attracted. Seeds eaten by native birds, including parrots and native pigeons.
Ornamental: Attractive specimen for hedges, barriers, screening, tubs and as cut flower, for districts where it does not spread. Prune lightly after flowering to prevent straggly growth. Resents severe pruning.
Other: Attractive specimen for hedges, barriers, screening, tubs and as cut flower, for districts where it does not spread. Prune lightly after flowering to prevent straggly growth. Resents severe pruning.

Note: The following information presented is only a guide, as plant characteristics vary depending on provenance (the plant's locality).

Site/Preferred Habitat : dry shallow soils in high rainfall areas; heavier soils in lower rainfall areas
Rainfall(mm) : 300
Growth Rate : fast
Tolerates : moderate flooding; dryness; acid & alkaline soils
Resents : frost when young
Uses & Comments : windbreak; fixes nitrogen; erosion control; excellent wildlife habitat

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