About Acacia rupicola F.Muell. ex Benth.
Scientific name: Acacia rupicola F.Muell. ex Benth.
Description: This glabrous, diffuse, moderately resinous shrub usually grows 1 to 2.5 metres (3.3 to 8.2 ft) tall. It has prominently ribbed branchlets with no stipules. Its sessile, spreading green phyllodes are narrowly triangular to linear-triangular, measuring 5 to 25 mm (0.20 to 0.98 in) in length and 1.5 to 3 mm (0.059 to 0.118 in) in width, with a distinct prominent midrib. Flowering occurs primarily between August and January, with occasional sporadic flowering at other times of the year, and it produces yellow flowers. It closely resembles Acacia ulicifolia (Prickly Moses) in appearance, but is easily distinguished by its characteristic sticky, resinous surface.
Distribution: This species is endemic to Australia, with a native range spanning a large area from the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia in the west, eastward through Bordertown to the Grampians in Victoria. It grows in rocky coastal areas in sandy to loamy soils, most often as a component of open scrub or woodland plant communities.
Cultivation: Acacia rupicola can be propagated from seed or cuttings. This shrub is recommended for use as an understorey plant, suited for cultivation in second-line coastal positions, plains, or foot-slopes. It grows well in dry full sun, shaded locations, and rocky areas, and is commonly planted in parks, reserves, highway verges, batters, and wide median strips. It requires well-drained soil to thrive. It attracts birds and insects, tolerates drought, and can withstand moderate frost.
