Scientific Name: Acacia siculiformis

Common Name: dagger wattle

Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots

Family: Fabaceae

Threatened Species Status: Rare

Permit: It is an offence to collect, disturb, damage or destroy this species unless under permit.

Form Description: Rigid shrub. Leaves 1-3cm long, shaped like a dagger, sharply pointed phyllodes.

Height (m): 1 – 3

Flowers: Yellow, numerous, solitary, axillary.

Fruit: Seed pod – linear, flat, about 2.2cm long, constricted between the seeds. Seeds 6-10 black and shining.

Municipality
Break O’DayCentral HighlandsDorsetGlamorgan-Spring BayLauncestonNorthern MidlandsSouthern MidlandsWest Tamar
Plant Communities
Alpine and Sub-alpine VegetationRiparian
Habitat Notes

Local in the east, north-east and on the Central Plateau. Scattered in understorey of lower open forests, in tablelands and mountain country. Well drained rocky or sandy site, common near streams. Very hardy, tolerates frost and snow.

Site Tolerance

Exposed, Moist, Rocky, Windy

Soil Tolerance

Fertile, Loam, Poorly-drained, Sandy, Well-drained

Frost Tolerance

Hardy

General Notes

Useful for providing low-level shelter (up to 3m) in windbreaks. Useful in erosion control as the fibrous roots help bind the soil. Improves soil fertility. Bird attracting. The prickly foliage provides refuge for small birds. The flowers provide pollen for native moths, butterflies and other insects, which attract insect-eating birds. The nectar is an important food for insects and nectar-feeding birds. The seed attract birds such as parrots and native pigeons. Resistant to Phytophthora cinnamomi. Susceptible to browsing by hares and rabbits.

Propagation Calendar

  • Flowering Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Seed Collecting Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Sowing Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Cutting Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Propagation Method
Seed, Cuttings

Seed Information

Seed Collection

Most acacias are readily propagated by seed. Collect and store in paper bags in a warm spot until pods open. Monitor seed as pods drop soon after they turn brown.

Seed Treatment Method

Boiling Water Pour boiling water over the seed and allow to soak for 24 hours before sowing.

Seed Storage Life

Long

Seed Treatment Notes

From scarified seed. Pour boiling water over the seed and allow to soak for 24 hours before sowing. Alternatively, boil the seed for 30-60 seconds before plunging it into cold water and sowing. Smoke treatment also might improve results.

Germination Time

2-5 weeks

Cutting & Division Information

Cuttings are possible with “phyllode bearing” acacias, more so than with “feathery leaved” species.