Description
Common names
Red-stemmed Wattle, Red-leaved Wattle, Red-stem wattle, Red Leaf Wattle, Red-leaf Wattle, Redleaf Wattle.
Scientific names
Acacia rubida.
Family
Mimosaceae.
Genus
Acacia.
Name origin
Rubida, from Latin ruber, red, referring to red stems.
Rainfall
650mm.
Growth rate
Fast.
Growth height
2-10m.
Presence in Australia
Noted in the Murray catchment, from as far west as Long Plain-West Hume, to as far east as Coppabella.
This specie has been identified in the following Australian states: Qld, NSW, ACT, Vic, Tas, SA.
Habitat
Usually dry sclerophyll forest on elevated rocky localities. Also riverbanks and swamp edges.
Habit
Erect or spreading shrub or small tree 2-10m high with brownish, finely fissured bark and "leaves" 5-20cm long.
Similar species
May resemble Hickory Wattle/Lightwood (Acacia implexa). Distinguish by reddish tinge in "leaves" as they dry, and by retention of bipinnate foliage.
Site preference
Dry soils. Tolerates frost, drought and limited waterlogging. Semi-shade and full sun.
Characteristics
Very hardy and fast-growing. Juvenile bipinnate leaves persist on plant with adult "leaves", up to 2m high.
Flowering
Pale to golden-yellow, Jul-Nov.
Seed collection
Early Nov to late Dec.
Propagation
From scarified seed. Pour boiling water over seeds and soak for several hours before drying and sowing.
Regeneration
From seed and suckers, particularly after fire.
Shade and shelter
Useful low-level cover in windbreaks.
Land protection
Useful for controlling soil erosion due to suckering and soil-binding fibrous roots. Legume, improves soil fertility by "fixing" nitrogen.
Wildlife
Flowers are a pollen source for native moths, butterflies and other insects. Insect-eating birds attracted. Seed-eating birds attracted, including parrots and native pigeons. Foliage good cover for small birds.
Ornamental
Valuable ornamental, particularly conspicuous during winter when reddish. Severe pruning after flowering benefits plants.