SafePlants

No images found for this plant ID: 556.

Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "556" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.

Safe for Children?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Dogs?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Cats?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Reptiles?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Acacia pulchella

Scientific Name: Acacia pulchella

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Acacia pulchella: The Prickly Moses

Acacia pulchella, commonly known as Prickly Moses, is a captivating shrub endemic to Western Australia.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant is called "Prickly Moses", implying the presence of thorns or sharp edges.
  • Seeds are mentioned and may present a choking hazard for smaller pets.

Considerations for Children

  • The plant is called "Prickly Moses", implying the presence of thorns or sharp edges.
  • Seeds are mentioned and may present a choking hazard for younger children.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Acacia pulchella R.Br.
  • Common Name: Prickly Moses
  • Family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae/Mimosoideae)
  • Synonym: Racosperma pulchellum
  • Varieties:
    • Acacia pulchella var. glaberrima Meisn. (accepted name)
    • Acacia pulchella var. pulchella
    • Acacia pulchella var. hispidissima (uct. non (DC.))
  • Name Derivation: The species name pulchella comes from the Latin word pulchellus, meaning "beautiful and small."

Distribution and Habitat

  • Acacia pulchella is endemic to Western Australia and is one of the most common shrubs in the forests around Perth.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • It is a shrub, often much-branched.
  • Acacia pulchella var. glaberrima can grow to over 2 meters (approximately 8 feet) in height.
  • The plant has evergreen foliage.
  • It produces abundant golden yellow blooms from winter through mid-spring.

Genetic and Cytological Information

  • A partial sequence of the ribosomal protein L32 (rpl32) gene and the rpl32-trnL intergenic spacer from the chloroplast of Acacia pulchella var. pulchella isolate JM2114 has been recorded. This kind of genetic information can be used to study the evolutionary relationships between different plant species.

Ecological Role

  • Acacia pulchella is a common understory species.
  • It can be particularly common after bushfires.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • A steam-volatile extractive from the roots of Acacia pulchella has been shown to inhibit the germination of other species, suggesting potential allelopathic interactions.
  • It has been observed growing alongside Mountain-heath (Sphenotoma squarrosa) in Jarrah woodland after fires.

Cultivation

  • This species is considered a lovely ornamental for gardens.
  • Pruning after flowering is advised to encourage longer life.

Quirky Facts

  • The common name, "Prickly Moses," is shared by several Acacia species.

Further Information

  • PlantNET Flora Online (for variety occurring in NSW, see var. pulchella)
  • Discover Life provides information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Acacia pulchella.
  • APNI (Australian Plant Name Index)