South West Slopes Revegetation Guide
Acacia pycnantha
Golden Wattle
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Species Information
| Synonyms |
|
| Common Names |
Golden Wattle, Green Wattle |
| Family |
Mimosaceae - Mimosa family. |
| Name Origin |
pycnantha - from Greek phchos, thick and compact, and anthos, flowers, referring to dense flower heads. |
Specimen Data - CSU 664
| Location |
Charles Sturt University, Thurgoona Campus. Along access road to School of Environmental & Information Sciences building opposite student building. NSW |
| Notes |
Located in planting bed along access road. Zone: 55 Easting: 499157 Northing: 6011313 |
| Collector |
Kent, Kylie |
Date |
08/09/1999 |
| Determined By |
Lunt, Ian |
Date |
02/11/1999 |
South West Slopes Revegetation Guide Information
| Regional: |
Widespread in most areas west of the Hume Highway. |
| Australia: |
NSW, Vic, SA. |
| Habitat: |
Usually dry sclerophyll forest, Box woodland and heath. Sandy and stony soils. |
| Habit: |
Erect or spreading tree or shrub 3-8 m high. Dark brown to greyish smooth or finely fissured bark and 'leaves' 6-20 cm long. May form thickets. |
| Similar Species: |
Distinguish from Boree (A. pendula) by 'leaves'. Miljee 'leaves' are sharp-tipped. |
| Site Preference: |
|
| Characteristics: |
Short-lived. Fast-growing. Floral emblem of Australia. |
| Flowering: |
Golden-yellow, Jul-Nov. Strongly scented. |
| Seed Collection: |
Early Nov to mid Jan. Frequently produces large crops. |
| Propagation: |
From scarified seed (20-64 viable seeds per gram). Pour boiling water over seeds and soak for several hours before sowing. |
| Regeneration: |
From seed after fire, or without fire in non-compacted soil. Seeds remain viable in soil for many decades. Establishes very well when direct seeded. |
| Timber: |
Pale buff to brown. Not durable. Easily split. Bark is one of richest tannin sources in world, although rarely used commercially. Burns well and produces a hot fire, but generally too small to be useful. |
| Shade and Shelter: |
Useful low-level cover in windbreaks. |
| Land Protection: |
Useful for stabilising soil due to fibrous roots. Legume - improves soil fertility by 'fixing' nitrogen. |
| Wildlife: |
Small nectar-feeding birds attracted to base of 'leaves'. Flowers are a pollen source for native moths, butterflies and other insects. Insect-eating birds attracted. Larvae of the Fiery Jewel Butterfly feed on foliage at night. Grubs living at stem bases are food for birds, including the Grey Shrike-thrush and Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike. Gum is important food for possums such as the Sugar Glider and Squirrel Glider. Mature plants are nest sites for the Grey-crowned Babbler in Grey Box woodland. Insects attracted are important food for the Regent Honeyeater during breeding. |
| Ornamental: |
Attractive, free-flowering specimen with beautiful foliage. Cut out central growth . |
| Other: |
'Leaves' produce gold coloured dye with alum as mordant. European settlers used gum to treat diahorrea. Gum eaten or dissolved in water with nectar to make sweet drink. Bark possibly used for medicine and fibre. |
Note: The following information presented is only a guide, as plant characteristics vary depending on provenance (the plant's locality).
| Site/Preferred Habitat : |
Fairly well-drained soils |
| Rainfall(mm) : |
400 |
| Growth Rate : |
fast |
| Tolerates : |
drought; frost; shade; brief waterlogging |
| Resents : |
frost when young; fire |
| Uses & Comments : |
windbreak; soil stabilisation; fixes nitrogen; wildlife; tannin; dyes; ornamental |
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