| Regional: |
Becomes more common west of Olympic Highway. |
| Australia: |
Qld, NSW, Vic, SA. |
| Habitat: |
Dry sclerophyll forest, shrubland and woodland in semi-arid regions. Mostly creek banks, and flat alluvial plains
and floodplains. |
| Habit: |
Erect or spreading shrub or tree, 3-10 m high. Brownish, finely fissured bark and deep-green foliage on
willow-like drooping branches. Often in dense clumps. |
| Site Preference: |
Heavy clay soils to sands. May withstand some inundation. Full sun. Salt tolerant. Drought resistant. Resents
frost when young. |
| Characteristics: |
Long-lived. Wind-firm. 'Leaves' contain large amounts of tannin. |
| Flowering: |
Pale yellow to almost white, usually Feb-Jun. |
| Seed Collection: |
Dec-Jan. Good crops every few years. |
| Propagation: |
From seed (± 8 viable seeds per gram). |
| Regeneration: |
Often seeds, and suckers freely from the roots. Highly palatable to stock, hence fencing recommended for
regeneration. Encourage suckering by root ripping or disturbance. |
| Shade & Shelter: |
Excellent low to medium-level cover in windbreaks, due to bushiness and suckering. |
| Land Protection: |
Valuable in maintaining riverbank stability and for general erosion control, where its suckering is
an advantage. Legume ¾ improves soil fertility through 'fixing' nitrogen. |
| Fuel: |
Good. |
| Timber: |
Close-grained, tough, heavy, dark-brown and attractively marked. Used in furniture joinery and craft, and said to
rival Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon) timber. Takes a high polish. Used for making bullock yokes and cart shafts in
pioneering days. |
| Wildlife: |
Excellent habitat. Native birds and insects eat seed appendages. |
| Koori: |
Tannin-rich bark used to poison fish. 'Leaves' reputedly burnt and ash smoked to produce a narcotizing effect.
Seeds eaten in some areas. |
| Ornamental: |
Useful attractive species for gardens and parks, particularly in dry areas. Responds to water during dry periods.
|
| Other: |
Excellent drought fodder for sheep and cattle. |
