Regional: |
Noted on the drier hills of many catchments and districts, east of the Olympic Highway |
Australia: |
NSW, Vic. |
Habitat: |
Woodland and dry sclerophyll forest, on poor gravely and sandy soil. |
Habit: |
Small erect or spreading shrub 50 cm to 3 m high, with rigid stems and 'leaves'. Grey bark and flattened or angled hairy branchlets. |
Similar Species: |
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Site Preference: |
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Characteristics: |
Very long-lived. Moderate growth rate. Wasps form galls on flower buds in some areas. Conspicuous woody galls also caused by a fungus. |
Flowering: |
Golden-yellow, usually Jul-Sept. |
Seed Collection: |
Mid Nov to early Jan, when pods are brown and curled. Monitor closely as seeds released immediately or 1-2 days after maturity. |
Propagation: |
From scarified seed. Pour boiling or very hot water over seeds and soak for several hours before sowing. |
Regeneration: |
From seed, particularly after fire. Establishes moderately well when direct seeded. |
Timber: |
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Shade and Shelter: |
Useful low-level cover in windbreaks. |
Land Protection: |
Useful for stabilising soil and improving soil fertility. Legume - improves soil fertility by 'fixing' nitrogen. |
Wildlife: |
Good habitat. Flowers are a pollen source for native moths, butterflies and other native insects, and a nectar-source for birds including honeyeaters. Insect-eating birds attracted. Native birds, including parrots and pigeons eat seeds. |
Ornamental: |
Attractive ornamental for gardens, due to foliage and early flowering. Prune after |
Other: |
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