ACACIA horridula

Acacia horridula is a small grass-like shrub 30-60 centimetres tall with a slender single stem and narrow triangular phyllodes (leaves) usually crowded on the branchlets. Spherical clusters of pale-yellow flowers from May to August.
Prefers a well-drained in an open sunny position. Drought tolerant and resistant to light frost.

Occurs naturally in the Jarrah Forests and Swan Coastal Plains of the South-West Province of Western Australia.

WA Conservation Code: Priority 3.

Grow notes:

Although seed can be sown most of the year in many parts of Australia seed is generally best sown in spring or autumn in temperate climates, avoid the coldest and hottest months of the year. The optimum germination temperature for germination is around 18-22°C.

Acacia seeds germinate readily, however, they do have a hard outer coating which is impervious to water and generally, germination will normally not occur unless the seed is scarified by abrading or pre-treated with boiling water first.

1. Place the seed in a container and pour in just boiled water and allow to soak overnight.
2. The swollen seed can then be sown, re-treat seeds that have not swollen.
3. Sow the depth of the seed and keep it warm & moist but not wet.
4. Germination should occur in 10-21 days @ 18-22C.

General note: Seeds of many natives are dormant and require specific conditions or pre-treatment for germination.
Do not be too hasty to discard seed that does not germinate, seeds will often lay dormant until the conditions are similar to their natural requirements for germination to occur. Containers put to one side will often surprise long after they were discarded.