Common name: Mulga

Family: FABACEAE

Origin of Scientific Name

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Acacia – (Greek) acis – a point or thorn.

aneura – (Greek) a - not, and neuron - nerve, referring to the absence of conspicuous veins on the phyllodes (leaf structures).

Description

Acacia aneura or Mulga as it is commonly known is synonymous with the Australian arid landscape, being widespread throughout all mainland states apart from Victoria. Here in Western Australia, it occurs in arid regions from the Pilbara through inland deserts, the Murchison, the goldfields to the Nullabor.

The Mulga has a wide range of naturally occurring forms from shrubs as low as 1 metre to trees up to 10 metres high. Acacia aneura was recently classified into seven separate species, with 12 species now included in the Mulga complex. What they have in common is their thin, dark and flaky bark and narrow, leathery phyllodes (leaf structures). These phyllodes vary in length but are often pendulous and covered with minute hairs giving them a greyish appearance. From June to October, golden yellow rod-like flower-heads appear en masse at the ends of branchlets, followed by flat seed pods.

Acacia aneura is long-lived, making it a suitable long-term addition to any landscape. Generally, the golden-yellow flowers are produced in winter and spring but with reliable water under cultivation, this species can flower lightly over many months. It has the potential to be used in many arid landscapes and certain forms are suitable as street trees or for planting in groves or windbreaks. Combine with other desert species such as Eucalyptus victrix, E. youngiana, Triodia basedowii, T. bynoei and Ptilotus exaltatus to create a display celebrating the flora of these regions.

Horticultural tips

• Propagation is from seed.
• A drought and frost resistant species, best suited to arid climates.
• Requires well-drained, medium to light soils, and is lime tolerant.
• Prefers full sun but will grow in partial sun.

For more horticultural tips view our Plant Notes section.

View in Kings Park

Visit Kings Park and Botanic Garden to see Acacia aneura at the entry to the Western Australian Botanic Garden.

Want more information?

Refer to the profile for this plant on the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions' FloraBase online herbarium.