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 gracillima is a shrub or small tree 4-8 metres in height which has reddish brown “minni ritchi” bark. This is a name given to bark which curls and peels off in fine strips.

The foliage is very fine and long, slightly curved and with a small brownish point. Phyllodes are 4-6.5cm x 0.5-1.5mm, usually having a single vein closer to the top margin. The bright yellow spike flowers appear in winter. They have sticky stalks and are followed by very sticky, bright green pods which ripen to dark brown. Pods are shaggy hairy and black, oblong seeds are dehisced (shed) as soon as the pods open.

This is a very suitable wattle for tropical areas, particularly those with a wet/dry monsoon climate.

Propagation is usually carried out from seed.