Acacia retinodes aka Swamp Wattle

Acacia retinodes is an evergreen shrub or small tree. It belongs to the pea family, Fabaceae. People call it swamp wattle and wirilda. Kew places its native range in southeastern South Australia. Other sources give a wider range across southern Australia. PFAF includes Victoria and Flinders Island in Tasmania. It reports that the plant grows in open forest. There, it grows on inland soils that drain poorly.

This plant forms a large, spreading, bushy crown. RHS gives a garden height of 13–26 feet [4–8 metres]. Its description puts the height near 20 feet [6 metres]. The spread reaches 8–13 feet [2.5–4 metres]. Plants take about 10–20 years to reach full size. Narrow, lance-shaped phyllodes give the plant its leafy look. These leaf-like parts stay green all year. Round, pale yellow flower heads grow in short axillary racemes. These flower clusters grow where leaves meet stems. Flowers bloom now and then through the year. PFAF reports seed pods about 0.6 feet [0.18 metres] long.

Give this plant full sun and a sheltered site. RHS suggests sandy or loamy soil that drains well. It accepts acid or neutral soil. Keep the soil moist, but do not let it waterlog. This garden advice differs from the soil in its wild habitat. RHS assigns H2 and says to grow it free from frost. It gives a minimum of 3–5°C. PFAF lists USDA zones 7–10, a much colder range. These sources differ on how much cold it can take. It is thus unclear how well it withstands frost.

RHS suggests gardens in courtyards, by coasts, or in a Mediterranean style. It also suits borders beside a sheltered wall. In pots, use peat-free John Innes No. 2 compost. During active growth, feed each month with balanced liquid fertiliser. Give little water in winter. To grow it from seed, soak seed in warm water before sowing. Keep seed at 18°C or warmer. You can also take semi-ripe cuttings in summer. Watch for glasshouse red spider mite, fluted scale, and mealybugs. Honey fungus may also harm the plant.

PFAF lists cooked flowers and seeds as edible parts. It notes the use of flowers in fritters. The supplied evidence does not say how to prepare seeds. PFAF reports no known hazards, but this does not prove safety. It lists no known medicinal use. Flowers yield yellow dye, while seed pods yield green dye. The roots help hold soil and curb erosion. PFAF also names the plant as a nitrogen fixer.