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 pyrifolia is a prickly shrub to about 4 metres with short spines arising from the stem junctions. The foliage is blue-green, pear shaped to about 7.5 cm long with wavy margins and tapering to a sharp point.

The bright yellow flower clusters are globular in shape and are produced on short stalks in long racemes of about 12 flower clusters. Flowers usually occur in winter through to mid spring. The flowers are followed by curved, flat seed pods about 8 cm long.

A.pyrifolia is suited to tropical and inland areas and is spectacular in flower. It is not widely cultivated but should require well drained soils in full sun.

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