Contents
Description
Acacia Conferta, commonly known as the Coast Wattle, is a flowering plant that belongs to the legume family Fabaceae. It is native to the south-eastern coast of Australia, particularly in New South Wales and Victoria. This evergreen shrub can grow up to 5 meters tall and 4 meters wide, with a dense canopy and a weeping habit. Its leaves are dark green and narrow, measuring 10-30 cm long and 1-2 mm wide, and its flowers are small, yellow, and arranged in globular clusters.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Acacia |
Appearance
Acacia Conferta is a dense and bushy shrub that can grow up to 5 meters tall and 4 meters wide. Its leaves are dark green and narrow, measuring 10-30 cm long and 1-2 mm wide, and its flowers are small, yellow, and arranged in globular clusters. The flowers bloom in late winter and spring, and are followed by seed pods that are flat and narrow, measuring 7-12 cm long and 5-7 mm wide. The seed pods ripen in summer and fall, and split open to release the seeds.
Care Guide
Acacia Conferta is a hardy plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips to help you keep your Coast Wattle healthy and thriving:- Water: Acacia Conferta prefers well-draining soil that is kept moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering in winter when the plant is dormant.- Fertilization: You can feed your Acacia Conferta with a balanced fertilizer in spring and summer to promote growth and flowering.- Soil: Acacia Conferta prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.- Sunlight: Acacia Conferta prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but may produce fewer flowers.- Hardiness Zones: Acacia Conferta is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Acacia Conferta is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but may occasionally be affected by the following:- Scale insects: These insects can suck sap from the plant and cause yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth. Use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to control scale.- Root rot: This fungal disease can cause the plant to wilt, yellow, and die. It is caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Improve drainage and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Habitat
Acacia Conferta is native to the south-eastern coast of Australia, particularly in New South Wales and Victoria. It grows in a variety of habitats, including coastal heathland, sand dunes, and shrubland. It is a fire-adapted species that can resprout from the base after a fire.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Acacia Conferta poisonous?
A: No, Acacia Conferta is not poisonous. However, its seeds and pods are not edible and may cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested.
Q: Can Acacia Conferta tolerate drought?
A: No, Acacia Conferta prefers moist soil and may not tolerate long periods of drought.
Q: How often should I prune my Acacia Conferta?
A: You can prune your Acacia Conferta lightly after flowering to maintain its shape and size. Avoid heavy pruning, as this can stimulate excessive growth and reduce flowering.
Q: Can I grow Acacia Conferta in a container?
A: Yes, Acacia Conferta can be grown in a container as long as it is provided with well-draining soil, regular watering, and adequate sunlight.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Acacia Conferta:- Acacia dealbata (Silver Wattle)- Acacia cognata (River Wattle)- Acacia baileyana (Cootamundra Wattle)- Acacia longifolia (Sydney Golden Wattle)- Acacia podalyriifolia (Queensland Silver Wattle)
References
– Australian Native Plants Society (Australia). (2021). Acacia Conferta. Retrieved from https://anpsa.org.au/a-con.html- PlantNet. (n.d.). Acacia Conferta. Retrieved from https://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Acacia~conferta
