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Acacia montana (Mallee Wattle)

Acacia montana, commonly known as Mallee Wattle, is a shrub species native to southeastern Australia.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant is a sticky shrub.

Considerations for Children

• This plant is a sticky shrub.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Acacia montana Benth.
• Common Name: Mallee Wattle, Variable Sallow Wattle
• Family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae, Mimosaceae are also listed as associated families)
• Acacia montana Jungh. is listed as a synonym for Paraserianthes lophantha subsp. montana (Jungh.) I.C.Nielsen.
• Accepted name according to some databases.

Distribution and Habitat

• Endemic to southeastern Australia.
• Specifically distributed in the states of New South Wales, South Australia, and Victoria.

Morphological Characteristics

• Erect or spreading shrub, typically ranging from 1 to 4 meters in height, but also noted as small to medium shrub to around 2 meters in height.
• Viscid (sticky) shrub or tree.
• Bark is fissured and grey.
• Branchlets are angled towards the apices, resinous, and densely hairy (hairs are often antrorsely).
• Generally has a dense habit.
• Bright green, sticky, narrow phyllodes (modified leaf stalks) that can reach up to 3 cm in length.
• Produces golden flowers.

Genetic Information

• Microsatellites for Acacia montana (Fabaceae) have been isolated and characterized via 454 sequencing.

Further Information

• Information can be found in the Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN), U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service.
• Plants of Western New South Wales reference book by G.M. Cunningham, WE Mulham, PL Milthorpe and J H Leigh (1981).
• Tropicos database.
• Discover Life provides information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Acacia montana.