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GENERAL
Origin
:
Mediterranean,
sub-tropical
Humidity
:
very arid, semi-
arid
Propagation :
sowing and
pricking out
Maintenance :
low
CONDITIONS
Urban climate :
resistant
Dessication :
resistant
Stagnant water :
vulnerable
Irrigation
:
low
Salinity/ppm :
high (3500 ppm)
Hardiness
:
-6°C
SHAPE
Type
:
shrub, tree
Height
:
3 m-5 m
Spread
:
3 m-5 m
Foliage
:
evergreen
FLOWER
Colour
:
yellow
Size
:
3 cm
Period
:
January - March
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
pod
Fruit size
:
14 cm
This bushy, often gnarled shrub or low tree has a twisted trunk with highly fissured bark, which
flakes off in brittle pieces. The yellow flowers appear profusely after copious rainfall. Commonly
known in its native Australia as Silver Witchetty, A. cuthbertsonii occurs sporadically throughout
arid parts of the country, usually growing on the gravelly soil and rocky sands of hills or along
creeks and drainage lines. It requires full sun and is very drought-tolerant. Such topographical
situations are similar to those of the shallow wadis and rowdahs of the Arriyadh region, where
water collects after winter rains. These properties have made the tree attractive for planting in
the Arriyadh region and it was selected from several Australian species for trials at the Research
and Agricultural experiments Station in Dirab, Arriyadh, where it has grown well in certain
experimental studies. For landscaping purposes, the tree’s dense foliage make it an ideal low
shrub for accent and screening. The large seed pods are eaten when still green by aboriginal
people, and the bark is used as an aid against toothache and for making bandages and sandals.
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Acacia cuthbertsonii,
Mimosaceae
Cuthbertson,
Äôs Wattle, Silver Witchetty