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| Acacia mariae - Golden-top Wattle |
Family - Fabaceae (Mimosoideae)
Common name - Golden-top Wattle
Flowers and fruit - Single globose (spherical) golden flower heads in phyllode (leaf) axil. Pods are green and leathery turning brown and crisp when ripe - flat, and 3 to 6cm long. Flowering period is July to October.
Leaves and stems - Acacia 'leaves' are not true leaves, and are called 'phyllodes'. Phyllodes of Acacia mariae are silver grey with a covering of matted hairs, straight or curved and lanceolate, sometimes pressed upwards to the stem. Branches are smooth and grey.
Habit and habitat - An erect or spreading shrub about 1m tall, but can be taller. Acacia mariae is widespread and common in The Pilliga in open woodland and sandy soils, and can present a spectacular sight in flower.
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| Flower heads are single on 1cm stalks, leaves often pressed upwards |
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| Ripe seed pods of Acacia mariae in The Pilliga |
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| Acacia mariae (Golden-top Wattle) is a showy species |
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| Acacia mariae putting on a spectacular show in the eastern Pilliga |
