| Regional: |
Widespread in drier forests of most catchments and districts. |
| Australia: |
Qld, NSW, Vic, SA, WA. Introduced in Tas. |
| Habitat: |
Various communities and soils. |
| Habit: |
Erect or spreading shrub 2.5-4 m high. Dark green foliage, fine thorns and finely fissured brownish-grey bark. |
| Similar Species: |
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| Site Preference: |
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| Characteristics: |
Fast-growing. Lifespan up to several decades. Prickliness precludes grazing by livestock. May spread in some districts. |
| Flowering: |
Golden-yellow, July-Nov. |
| Seed Collection: |
Early Dec to mid Jan. Monitor closely as seeds released immediately or within 1-2 days of maturity. |
| Propagation: |
From scarified seed ( 75 viable seeds per gram). Pour boiling or very hot water over seeds and soak for several hours before sowing. |
| Regeneration: |
From seed after disturbance such as fire. Colonises steep bare banks in shallow soils. Readily established when direct seeded. |
| Timber: |
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| Shade and Shelter: |
Useful low-level cover in windbreaks in districts where known not to spread. |
| Land Protection: |
Useful for controlling soil erosion due to soil-binding fibrous roots, and for improving soil fertility. Legume - improves soil fertility by 'fixing' nitrogen. |
| Wildlife: |
Excellent habitat. Very useful refuge and nesting sites for small birds, such as wrens and thornbills due to prickliness. Flowers are a food source for moths, \ butterflies and other insects. Insect-eating birds attracted. Seeds eaten by native birds, including parrots and native pigeons. |
| Ornamental: |
Attractive specimen for hedges, barriers, screening, tubs and as cut flower, for districts where it does not spread. Prune lightly after flowering to prevent straggly growth. Resents severe pruning. |
| Other: |
Attractive specimen for hedges, barriers, screening, tubs and as cut flower, for districts where it does not spread. Prune lightly after flowering to prevent straggly growth. Resents severe pruning. |
