About Acacia floribunda (Vent.) Willd.
Scientific Name
Acacia floribunda (Vent.) Willd.
Description
Growth Form and Bark
Acacia floribunda is a spreading shrub or tree that typically reaches a height of 2–8 m (6 ft 7 in – 26 ft 3 in). It has smooth grey bark that sometimes becomes rough with age, and pendulous branches that are often covered in soft hairs.
Phyllode Features
Its phyllodes are linear to narrowly lance-shaped, 50–190 mm (2.0–7.5 in) long and 1.5–12 mm (0.059–0.472 in) wide. They are thin, pliable, and have up to three main veins.
Flower Characteristics
Flowers are borne in one or two loosely packed spikes that are 20–80 mm (0.79–3.15 in) long, growing from a very short peduncle. Flowering usually occurs from June to September.
Seed Pod Traits
After flowering, it produces more or less cylindrical seed pods, which are mostly straight to strongly curved. The pods are 60–120 mm (2.4–4.7 in) long and 2–4 mm (0.079–0.157 in) wide, with a firm papery texture, and are more or less constricted between individual seeds.
Seed Features
The seeds themselves are elliptic, 3–5 mm (0.12–0.20 in) long, glossy brown, and have a small aril.
Distribution and habitat
Native Range
Commonly called white sally wattle, this species is widespread in forests and woodland. Its native range extends from Stanthorpe, Mount Barney and Tambourine Mountain in south-eastern Queensland, through New South Wales, to Briagolong in eastern Victoria, with an isolated native population at Nambour.
Preferred Habitat
It grows mainly in coastal sclerophyll plant communities, often in sandy soil, and is common along stream banks. It is naturalised in other areas of Victoria, Tasmania, and possibly the Australian Capital Territory.
Use in horticulture
Landscaping Applications
In landscaping, Acacia floribunda is very useful for erosion control, especially in gullies. It also works well as a hedge or screen plant.
Propagation Methods
It can be propagated from scarified seed, or from seed treated with boiling water.
