Queensland Native Seeds

Acacia cambagei

Scientific NameAcacia cambagei
CategoriesNitrogen FixerTreeWattle
Common Name(s)Gidgee
FamilyFabaceae, Subfamily Mimosoideae

Description

"Malodorous, spreading tree 4–15 m high; crown moderately dense. Bark flaky, dark grey." (WorldWideWattle ver. 2)

Notes

"Tolerates a wide range of soils but occurs most commonly in dark cracking clay or loam, as scattered individuals or in dense, almost pure stands." (WorldWideWattle ver. 2) Acacia cambagei is very similar to Acacia georginae however the latter is toxic to livestock. By contrast, Gidgee is used as fodder. Seed collectors should note the once-coiled pods belonging to A. georginae which will reduce any confusion around the species.

Gidgee seed is required on rehabilitation sites in greater quantities than it is produced in. Like Brigalow (Acacia harpophylla), Gidgee seed is non-dormant and exhibits relatively short-lived viability. These problems and the small size of the commercial native seed market influence the availability of seed from both taxa.

Historical Notes

Distribution

"Widespread in arid and semi-arid eastern Australia, extending from central N.T. and north-eastern S.A. into central Qld and north-western N.S.W." (WorldWideWattle ver. 2)



References and Related Links