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 decora is a small to large shrub, often under 2 metres in height but sometimes to 5 metres. The phyllodes are lance-shaped, blue-green in colour, with a prominent mid-vein and minor branching veins. The flowers are borne in large upright clusters both at the ends of the branches (terminal) and in the phyllode axils, making this one of the most showy of all wattles.

This is a hardy species which is tolerant of a wide range of conditions. It prefers well drained soils in light shade to full sun. A.decora is a worthwhile addition to gardens in many areas of Australia.

Propagation is relatively easy by normal seed raising methods following pretreatment by soaking in boiling water or by scarification.