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| Category: Shrub |
| Family: Mimosaceae (~Fabales) |
| Origin: Australia (Australasia) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Yellow |
| Bloomtime: Winter/Spring |
| Height: 8-12 feet |
| Width: 8-12 feet |
| Exposure: Full Sun |
| Drought Tolerant: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 25-30° F |
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Acacia merinthophora (Zigzag Wattle) - An open shrub from Western Australia, reaching 9 to 12 feet tall with a weeping habit . The phyllodes are long (up to 8 inches), curved , narrow and are gray-green in color. The stems of the branches change direction at the points where the phyllodes occur producing a zigzag shape. The branches are very attractive in dried arrangements. Short, rod-shaped flower clusters (about 1-2 inches long) are produced in the phyllode axils in early winter to early spring. They are bright yellow in color and are followed by slender, curved seed pods. Although native to Western Australia, Acacia merinthophora has been successfully cultivated in humid areas where many other western species fail. It is best grown in a well-drained, sunny position and, once established, will tolerate extended dry periods. Cold hardy to 25-30° F, possibly lower once established. The botanical name aacia; is from Greek acis, a thorn. The specific epithet "merinthophora" is a combination of the Greeks words "phora" (from the root word pherein) which means to "carry" and the "merintho" for sting which refers to this plant having (or carrying) sting like phyllodes.
The description above is based on our research and observations of this plant growing in our nursery and in our own and other Santa Barbara gardens. We would appreciate hearing from anyone who has additional information or disagrees with what we have written.
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