Townsville Wattle
Origin of name
Family: MIMOSACEAE
- Acacia meaning “a point“
- leptostachya meaning “slender spike“
Occurrence
A local plant. Grows in coastal and central open eucalypt forest or hummock grassland from Cape York to SE Qld.
Fast-growing. Does best in full sun, well-drained soil, and a generally dry position. Prune to keep bushy shape.
Appearance
A large shrub/small tree to ~2m, rarely to ~5m. Leaves are stiff with many, equally prominent veins. Profuse, golden yellow flower spikes (Jun-Aug) are followed by narrow, brown seed pods.
Flowers are very attractive, perfumed, and attract butterflies. The dense bush provides protective habitat for small animals.
