Showy Wattle, Western Silver Wattle
Acacia decora
Family: Fabaceae
What it is like
A shrub or small tree. It grows 5 m tall. There are prickles along the stem. The leaves are twice divided and there are 8-18 pairs of pinnae. There are up to 50 pairs of pinnules on each pinnae. The flowers are yellow. They are in large clusters at the ends of branches. The pods are flattened.
There are about 1,350 Acacia species. Over 1,000 occur in Australia. Also as Mimosaceae.
Where it is found
It is a warm temperate and subtropical plant. It occurs naturally in New South Wales and Queensland in Australia. It prefers light to medium soils. It suits a sunny position but can grow in light shade. It is drought resistant but is probably damaged by frost. It suits hardiness zones 8-11.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
The gum is eaten.
Edible parts
Gum
How it is grown
It is grown from seed. The seed need treatment to break the hard seed coat. Normally this is by putting the seeds in very hot water and letting the water cool down overnight then planting the seeds immediately. It can be grown from cuttings. Trees can be pruned.
Its other names
Local names
Pretty wattle, Western Golden Wattle