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 leptostachya is a a variable shrub, with dense foliage and a rounded shape, usually about 2 metres in height, but occasionally to 5 metres. Young growth on both branches and phyllodes is hairy. Bark is dark grey and fissured.

Phyllodes are stiff, usually straight and narrow (although variable, particularly when juvenile), leathery, grey-green, 3-9 cm x 0.3-1 cm with many longitudinal veins.

The golden yellow spike flowers, 2-4 cm long occur in pairs (occasionally more) in the leaf axils. Flowering period is June to August and is followed by narrow curved pods to 6cm in length with seeds either longitudinal or transverse in the pod.

The plant will do best in full sun, well drained soil and a generally dry position.

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