SafePlants

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that Acacia cyclops produces seed pods. These pods, along with the seeds, might be attractive to pets, so it is prudent to prevent pets from consuming them.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• Scientific Name: Acacia cyclops A. Cunn. ex G. Don
• Family: Fabaceae (=Leguminosae)
• Synonyms: The text mentions several synonyms, including Acacia cyclopis, A cyclopis, A eglandulosa, A mirbeli, A mirbelli, and Racosperma eglandulosum.

Common Names

Besides red-eyed wattle and western coastal wattle, Acacia cyclops is also known by several other common names, including:

• Coastal Wattle
• Cyclops Acacia
• Cyclops Wattle
• One-eyed Wattle
• Red Eye
• Red-Eye
• Redwreath Acacia
• Rooikrans
• Rooikrans Acacia
• Baaibos
• Hoenderboom

Distribution and Habitat

Acacia cyclops is native to the west coast of Australia, specifically Western Australia and South Australia. It thrives in dry coastal plains and is often found in sand dune environments.

Ecological Role

This species is noted for its invasive properties in regions outside of Australia, particularly in South Africa. It is considered a dominant invasive alien plant in phosphorus-poor, sand-plain, lowland fynbos ecosystems. Its ability to spread is aided by birds that disperse its seeds.

Morphological Characteristics

• Acacia cyclops is an evergreen shrub or small tree, typically reaching heights of 1.5 to 6 meters, but can grow up to 9-24 feet tall.
• It has a branched structure from the base and dark brown, cracked bark.
• Young leaves are simple, coriaceous, and oblong to oblanceolate.
• The plant produces yellow spherical flower heads, typically in spring and summer.
• Old, twisted seed pods often remain on the plant.

Interactions with Other Organisms

Native alydid insects feed on the seeds of Acacia cyclops, affecting their viability. This interaction is being studied in the context of controlling the plant's invasive spread.

Quirky Facts

• The Aboriginal name for the plant is Wilyawa (Noongar) and refers to the plant's fruit pods and seeds.
• The common name "rooikrans" is Afrikaans for "red wreath."

Further Information

Additional information can be found at:

• Encyclopedia of Life
• Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN), U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service
• Flora of Australia Online
• South African National Biodiversity Institute, Compton Herbarium, Cape Town (SAM)
• USDA PLANTS Database