Family: Fabaceae
Author: A.Cunn. ex G.Don
Bibliography: Gen. Hist. 2: 404 (1832)
Year: 1832
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Acacia
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: SW. & S. Western Australia to S. South Australia
Description
Coastal wattle, scientifically known as Acacia cyclops, is a resilient and adaptive plant species belonging to the family Fabaceae. This native Australian shrub is most commonly found along the coastal regions of southwestern and southern Western Australia, extending to southern South Australia. Acacia cyclops was first described in 1832 by botanist Allan Cunningham and further documented by George Don in his General History of Dichlamydeous Plants.
Thriving in well-drained sandy soils, Coastal wattle is well-suited to withstand the harsh, saline conditions characteristic of its native coastal habitats. This plant is often employed in soil stabilization efforts due to its robust root system, which helps to prevent erosion along the shorelines where it is prevalent.
Acacia cyclops is distinctive for its phyllodes—flattened leaf-like structures—which are an adaptation allowing the plant to conserve water. The phyllodes are typically narrow, elongated, and leathery, providing an efficient mechanism for photosynthesis whilst minimizing water loss. This makes the Coastal wattle particularly suited to the dry, Mediterranean climate of its native regions.
Flowering primarily in the spring and early summer, the Coastal wattle produces bright yellow, globular flower heads that are rich in nectar, attracting a variety of pollinators. Following the flowering season, it produces elongated seed pods that house numerous hard-coated seeds. These seeds are designed to germinate after exposure to heat, a common occurrence in their natural bushfire-prone environments.
Ecologically, the Coastal wattle plays a supportive role, offering habitat and nourishment to a range of local fauna, from insects to larger herbivores. Its dense growth provides ample coverage, making it a valuable component in coastal dune ecosystems.
Beyond its ecological contributions, Acacia cyclops is also valued for its ornamental appeal in native plant gardens and landscaping projects. Its lustrous green foliage and striking yellow flowers add visual interest and natural beauty to cultivated landscapes.
In summary, the Coastal wattle (Acacia cyclops) is a versatile and hardy species with significant ecological and aesthetic value. Its ability to thrive in challenging coastal conditions, coupled with its environmental benefits, makes it a notable plant within the Australian native flora.
Common Names
Eng: coastal wattle, red eye, redeye, cyclops acacia, cyclops wattle, one-eyed wattle, red-eye, red-eyed wattle, redwreath acacia
Heb: shita agulat-zra’im, שיטה עגולת זרעי
Afr: rooikrans, rooikrans acacia
En: Coastal wattle, Red eye, Redeye, Cyclops Acacia, Cyclops Wattle, One-eyed Wattle, Red-eye, Red-eyed Wattle, Redwreath Acacia
Af: Rooikrans, Rooikrans Acacia
He: Shita agulat-zra’im, שיטה עגולת זרעי
Synonyms
- Acacia eglandulosa (DC.)
- Racosperma eglandulosum ((DC.) Pedley)
- Acacia mirbelii (Dehnh.)
Distribution
- South Australia (native)
- Western Australia (native)
- Azores (introduced)
- California (introduced)
- Canary Is. (introduced)
- Cape Provinces (introduced)
- Cyprus (introduced)
- Ethiopia (introduced)
- Morocco (introduced)
- Namibia (introduced)
- Northern Provinces (introduced)
- Palestine (introduced)
- Portugal (introduced)
- Sicilia (introduced)
- Spain (introduced)
- St.Helena (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Jul 31, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 31, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jul 31, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jul 31, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2980425)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:470108-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Acacia cyclops G.Don)
