Description
Common names
Currawang, Spearwood, Lancewood, Myall.
Scientific names
Acacia doratoxylon.
Family
Mimosaceae.
Genus
Acacia.
Name origin
From Greek doratos, spear, and xylon, wood, because the Kooris made spears from the wood.
Rainfall
300mm.
Growth rate
Slow.
Growth height
3-8m.
Presence in Australia
Rocky outcrops of the following areas Urana-Rand-Corowa; Narrandera-Morundah-Galore-Collingullie; Burrumbuttock-West Hume; Bowna-Jindera; Walla Walla; Yambla; Holbrook; Upper Back & Upper Jerra Jerra; Ten Mile; The Rock-Henty-Milbrulong; Brookong; Upper Sandy; Buckargingah; Burkes-Graveyard; Lower Kyeamba & Main; O"Briens South & McLeods; Upper Kyeamba and Keajura.
This specie has been identified in the following Australian states: Qld, NSW, ACT, Vic, SA, NT, WA.
Habitat
Eucalypt and Callitris woodland on rocky ridges and mallee on red sand.
Habit
Erect or spreading tree or shrub, 3-8m high. Dense crown of olive-green narrow "leaves".
Site preference
Well-drained soil in open situations. Frost and drought tolerant. Semi-shade to full sun.
Characteristics
Stock occasionally eat the foliage. Slow-growing but long-lived.
Flowering
Bright yellow, usually Aug-Nov.
Seed collection
Early Dec-late Jan. Monitor closely, as seeds dropped soon after maturity.
Propagation
From scarified seed (±100 viable seeds per gram). Pour boiling or very hot water over seed and soak for several hours before drying and sowing.
Regeneration
From seed, particularly after fire.
Shade and shelter
Useful low-level cover in windbreaks.
Land protection
Good growth in rocky erodible soil and on recharge areas. Legume, improves soil fertility through "fixing" nitrogen.
Fuel
Excellent, produces a hot fire.
Timber
Dark brown, very hard and heavy. Pleasantly perfumed when freshly cut. Resembles Blackwood (A. melanoxylon) timber, but is heavier and less-grained. Tends to split, but still valuable for furniture.
Wildlife
Good habitat. Provides pollen for native moths, butterflies and other insects, which attract insect-eating birds. Appears to be the most prolific pollen producer of all wattles. Birds including parrots and native pigeons eat seeds.
Koori
Spears reputedly made from the wood.
Ornamental
Attractive specimen for gardens.