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juniper wattle

Scientific Name: Acacia ulicifolia

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Acacia ulicifolia: Juniper Wattle

Acacia ulicifolia, commonly known as Juniper Wattle or Prickly Moses, is a member of the Mimosaceae family. This plant is noted for its prickly phyllodes, which contribute to its usefulness as a barrier or hedge.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant's prickly phyllodes may deter animals and could pose a physical hazard.

Considerations for Children

  • The plant's prickly phyllodes may pose a physical hazard.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Acacia ulicifolia (Salisb.)
  • Family: Mimosaceae (Mimosa family)
  • Common Names: Juniper Wattle, Prickly Moses
  • Name Origin: The name "ulicifolia" refers to the gorse-like foliage, reminiscent of the Ulex genus.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Acacia ulicifolia is common around Sydney and has a distribution ranging from Queensland to Melbourne.
  • It is found in Heath Woodland and prefers or tolerates moist soils.

Morphological Characteristics

  • It is a decumbent to erect shrub, typically 0.5 to 2 meters high, but sometimes reaching 3 meters.
  • The bark is smooth and grey.
  • Branchlets are terete and can be sparsely to densely hairy.
  • Stipules are subulate, measuring 1 to 2 mm long.
  • It is described as an open prickly shrub

Ecological Role

  • It is used as a barrier or hedge to deter humans and animals.

Quirky Facts

  • The Juniper Wattle is often the first of the Wattles to flower each season, usually in late June.

Further Information

  • Discover Life offers a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Acacia ulicifolia.
  • Tasmania's Threatened Species Link provides a Species Management Profile for Acacia ulicifolia.
  • Dave's Garden is a community where people share tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.