Acacia rupicola F.Muell. ex Benth.

Scientific Name

Acacia rupicola F.Muell. ex Benth.

Description

Growth Habit

This glabrous, diffuse, moderately resinous shrub usually grows 1 to 2.5 metres (3.3 to 8.2 ft) tall.

Branchlet Features

It has prominently ribbed branchlets with no stipules.

Phyllode Characteristics

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 Details

Flowering occurs primarily between August and January, with occasional sporadic flowering at other times of the year, and it produces yellow flowers.

Similar Species Distinction

It closely resembles Acacia ulicifolia (Prickly Moses) in appearance, but is easily distinguished by its characteristic sticky, resinous surface.

Distribution

Native Range

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.

Habitat Preferences

It grows in rocky coastal areas in sandy to loamy soils, most often as a component of open scrub or woodland plant communities.

Cultivation

Propagation Methods

Acacia rupicola can be propagated from seed or cuttings.

Recommended Planting Uses

This shrub is recommended for use as an understorey plant, suited for cultivation in second-line coastal positions, plains, or foot-slopes.

Growing Conditions

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.

Soil Requirements

It requires well-drained soil to thrive.

Ecological and Tolerance Traits

It attracts birds and insects, tolerates drought, and can withstand moderate frost.