Rank Species | Subfamily Mimosoideae Scientific name Acacia paradoxa | |
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Similar Acacia verticillata, Acacia acinacea, Acacia implexa, Bursaria spinosa, Acacia longifolia | ||
Acacia paradoxa is a plant in the Fabaceae family. Its common names include kangaroo thorn, prickly wattle, hedge wattle and paradox acacia. This is a large shrub up to 3 metres tall and wide. It is dense with foliage; the leaves are actually enlarged petioles known as phyllodes. They are crinkly and the new ones are covered in hairs. The bush is also full of long spines. It flowers in small, bright yellow spherical flower heads and the fruits are brown pods 4 to 7 cm long.
The spiny stipules that grow at the base of the phyllodes deter livestock from feeding on or too close to the plant.
Kangaroo thorn is widely spread across Australia, regenerating from seed after disturbances, such as bush fire. Small birds, including wrens, use this plant as shelter and dwelling, while it is relied upon as a food source for moths, butterflies and other insects, birds also feed on its seeds.
This plant is native to Australia, but has been introduced to other continents. In the United States, kangaroo thorn is a well-known noxious weed in California.
Bushesof acacia paradoxa
