Acacia harpophylla [Acacia = to sharpen (the first one named had spines and grows in Africa), harpophylla = scimitar (sword) shaped leaves]
One of our famous wattles, it is a tall tree with a silvery top and reputed to flower well when heavy rains are on the way. Sheep will eat the young suckers which appear after clearing. The wood, which supposedly smells of violets, is good fuel and makes charcoal. The bark has also been used for tanning, and also for dyeing wool and cotton in a red/brown colour. Aborigines used the wood for spears, nulla nullas, and boomerangs, as the timber is quite hard but not very durable. 'Brigalow Itch' a form of dermatitis affects some people in contact with this tree.
Brigalow is the host plant for three butterflies - Tailed Emperor, Felders Line Blue, and Daemels Blue the larvae of which are attended by ants; and this is the southern limit of this butterfly's range.
Look on horizontal branches for Tawny Frogmouths who nest in this area.
more about wattles
Family MIMOSACEAE
No comments:
Post a Comment