Silver Wattle/Pearl Acacia

Acacia podalyriifolia Cunn. ex Don

a-KA-sha   po-DOWEL-ra-fol-ee-uh

Mimosaceae (Legumes)

Key to Acacia Mill.

Synonym: Racosperma podalyriifolium (Cunn. ex Don) Pedley (GRIN)

Explanation of name: Acacia comes from the Greek name for tree Acacia arabica; derived from the Greek akis which means a sharp point. (STE)  Podal means stalk and folia means leaf; probably referring to the mature leaves which are phyllodes. (PBCC)

Natural range: Australia (KOD)

Recognition: A bushy small tree with a bluish glaucous appearance.  Phyllodes (see other notes) are alternate, ovate or oblong, pubescent, bluish green, glaucous, 1"-2" long.

Flowers yellow, stalked, globose heads, in groups of 20-30, 1/4" long.  Fruit is an oblong legume, 3-1/2" long (KOD, BA2)

Landscape uses: Specimen tree, flowering tree (PBCC)

Notes: Mature leaves are expanded leaf-like petioles lacking a true leaf blade and are called phyllodes.(KOD)