General Description:

Acacia is a genus of around 1300 species, about 950 of which occur in Australia. Until recently the genus was more broadly described with about 1400 species spread over five sub-genera. This is discussed further in our dedicated Acacia page.

Acacias occur in all Australian states from coastal zones to mountains to the dry inland. Collectively, acacias are known as “wattles” and one of them, Acacia pycnantha, is the national floral emblem. The green and gold colours of the foliage and flowers has provided Australia’s official colours.

Acacia boormanii is a shrub or small tree to about 4.5 metres high with smooth, grey bark. Like most members of the genus, the mature plant does not have true leaves but has leaf-like flattened stems called phyllodes. In A.boormanii the phyllodes are linear in shape from 30-60 mm long by about 2 mm wide and greyish-green in colour. The bright yellow flower clusters are globular in shape and are produced in the leaf axils in late winter to spring. The flowers have a pleasant scent.

Snowy River wattle is well known in cultivation and is spectacular when in full flower. It is a hardy plant suitable for a wide range of climates and soils, provided they are reasonably well drained, although it is probably at its best in less humid areas. It prefers full sun or partial shade.

Propagation is relatively easy by normal seed raising methods following pretreatment by soaking in boiling water or by scarification. Propagation from cuttings may also be successful.