When the letter requesting that I (we) write a bit about a favourite plant, etc. turned up on the front of the LVAPS newsletter I was quickly and in no uncertain fashion told that it was my task.
Needless to say it set a bit of flea scratching going as to which direction I should head with this task. Should I cover my background with regards to the development of my interest in native plants, should I talk about orchids, Proteaceae, of which I also have a well developed interest, in some of the spectacular mint bushes or something completely different. The result: you got lucky, I choose the latter.
Acacia aphylla: Going back to the very early days of LVAPS (SGAP as it was then), when I took in this plant which generates a lot of interest wherever it is displayed, even today. A. aphylla or the Leafless Rock Wattle, is naturally occurring in the Darling Range near Perth, the Mundaring area and near Northam, all in WA. It is a leafless, much branched shrub to 2.5m tall with bright green new growth. Flowers are bright yellow balls about 8 ? 9 mm diameter and occur from July to October.
Flowers appear to occur sparsely on the plants, however this is not necessarily the case due to the dense nature of the growth, which hides some of the flowers. Plants do set seed when grown in cultivation. Plants may be propagated by seed or cutting. Better, more reliable growing plants are produced from seed than cuttings although the density of the growth can cause problems with restricted air flow through the plants and wind-throw killing the plants. They can be very vigorous growers in situations which suit them, which are well drained soil (build up beds) and full sun to part shade. Moderately frost tolerant. Some may regard this plant as a 'drop dead' plant as it does have a tendency to die fairly quickly and is often gone before you realise. First sign of death is often the plant changing from a green colour to grey.
Over all a superb plant, well worth the effort of growing, as it is a very affective feature in a garden if given a bit of room (can get over 2.5m wide) and a bit of TLC in the form of pruning to 'open up' the plant to improve air flow through it. Warren & Carolyn Simpson.