About Acacia decora Rchb.
Scientific name: Acacia decora Rchb.
Description: Acacia decora is a shrub that typically grows 1–3 m (3 ft 3 in – 9 ft 10 in) tall, with ribbed, usually glabrous branchlets. Its phyllodes grow on raised stem projections, and are lance-shaped or narrowly lance-shaped with the narrower end toward the base, or narrowly elliptic to more or less linear. They are usually 20–60 mm (0.79–2.36 in) long and 3.5–10 mm (0.14–0.39 in) wide, colored greyish green to glaucous, with a prominent midvein and obscure lateral veins. One or two glands are located 5–15 mm (0.20–0.59 in) above the base of each phyllode.
Flowers are borne in spherical heads arranged in numerous racemes 20–60 mm (0.79–2.36 in) long, on peduncles 3–6 mm (0.12–0.24 in) long. Each head is 4.5–6 mm (0.18–0.24 in) in diameter, and holds 15 to 30 bright yellow or golden yellow flowers. Flowering occurs between April and October. The seed pods are straight to slightly curved, with a texture ranging from firmly papery to thinly leathery. They measure 50–100 mm (2.0–3.9 in) long and 4–7 mm (0.16–0.28 in) wide, are more or less flat or straight-sided, and are slightly constricted between the seeds. The seeds are more or less oblong, 4–6 mm (0.16–0.24 in) long, shiny black, and have a large aril. Specimens of this species collected in Victoria have branchlets covered with minute, appressed hairs.
Distribution: Also called western silver wattle, this species occurs along the east coast of Australia, extending from the Palmer River area in northern Queensland, through New South Wales, to Victoria. In New South Wales, A. decora is widespread across the central part of the state, reaching west as far as the Cobar district. It most commonly grows on rocky ridges or outcrops within Eucalyptus communities, and sometimes forms pure stands. In Victoria, it is only known from areas around Dookie, Thoona, and near Wodonga, where it is restricted to roadsides and remnants of open woodland along railway lines.
Use in horticulture: Acacia decora is a hardy species that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. It grows best in well-drained soils, positioned in full sun to partial shade. It can be grown from seed, but the seed must be pretreated by scarification or soaking in boiling water before planting.
