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Acacia oxycedrus

Scientific Name: Acacia oxycedrus

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Acacia oxycedrus (Spike Wattle)

Acacia oxycedrus, commonly known as spike wattle, is an intriguing plant native to Australia. This page provides an overview of its characteristics, distribution, and other interesting facts.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant is described as a "prickly" shrub, suggesting the presence of thorns or sharp edges.

Considerations for Children

  • This plant is described as a "prickly" shrub, suggesting the presence of thorns or sharp edges.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

  • Scientific Name: Acacia oxycedrus Sieber ex DC.
  • Common Name: Spike Wattle, Spike Acacia, Sharp Cedar (historical)
  • Family: Leguminosae (also referenced as Mimosaceae)
  • Synonym: Racosperma oxycedrus (Sieber ex DC.) Pedley, Acacia taxifolia Lodd.
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species

Distribution and Habitat

  • Acacia oxycedrus is endemic to Australia, specifically found in Victoria (Vic.), New South Wales (NSW), and South Australia (S.A.).
  • It can grow in a range of soil types, including damp conditions, and is frost tolerant.
  • Prefers full sun, although it grows well in other conditions too.

Morphological Characteristics

  • It is an erect or spreading shrub, occasionally growing as a small, contorted tree.
  • Typically grows to a height of 1 to 3 meters, with a spread of up to 2 meters.
  • It's described as a prickly and dense shrub.
  • It has rigid, dark green phyllodes (modified leaf stalks functioning as leaves) up to 2 cm long.
  • Flowers are deep cream to yellow rods up to 2.5 cm long, appearing in spring and summer. They form cylindrical or spike-like clusters.

Quirky Facts

  • Independent researchers have confirmed the presence of alkaloids, including DMT, in good yields within this plant.

Ecological Role

  • Mentioned in the context of Australian native plants and revegetation projects (e.g., TreeProject).

Additional Information

  • The accepted name, Acacia oxycedrus DC., is recognized within the genus Acacia.
  • Referenced in the Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN), US Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service.
  • Information is available on Discover Life, EOL (Encyclopedia of Life) and Wikimedia Commons.