Indicative distribution
The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas.
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click here to see geographic restrictions).
The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Acacia rivalis
Profile last updated:
05 Oct 2023
Description
Creek Wattle (often also called Silver Wattle) is a shrub or tree 2-5m high with an attractive, dense, domed canopy and drooping branchlets. Bark is grey, finely fissured and phyllodes (wattle leaves) are shiny, 4 - 14 cm long and 2 - 10 mm wide with a prominent mid-vein and a sharp tip. Flower-heads are spherical, golden-yellow, and on stalks 4 - 10 mm long. Seed pods are straight, 6 - 13 cm long, 4 - 6 mm wide and brown.
Distribution
Recorded from the Broken Hill district, but originally found in SA, where described as being endemic and confined to the northern part of the Flinders Ranges region. There is a possibility that the species did not occur naturally in New South Wales but has become naturalised in a restricted area near Broken Hill.
Habitat and ecology
- In NSW, Acacia rivalis is confined to woodland communities bordering ephemeral creeks and streams and along watercourses. It grows in a variety of stony soils, often with limestone content.
- Associated species include Callitris glaucophylla, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Acacia victoriae, A. tetragonophylla, Hakea ednieana and Eremophila spp.
- Flowers from May to November, with flowers and mature pods often found on the tree together.
- Can be grown from seeds and is listed as a promising species for use in the wattle seed industry.
- Abundance in populations is recorded as uncommon or occasional to common. South Australian populations are described as growing in a tall shrubland.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Habitat clearing; extensive clearing of River Red Gum communities has disturbed populations.
- Roadside disturbance and erosion.
Recovery strategies
A Saving Our Species conservation project is currently being developed for this species and will be available soon. For information on how you can contribute to this species' recovery, see the Activities to assist this species section below.
Activities to assist this species
- Protect populations and areas of habitat during road powerline maintenance.
- Prevent further clearing of River Red Gum habitat.
- Conduct ecological research into the effects of grazing disturbance and fire.
- Undertake baseline surveys to confirm known, and to locate new populations.
Information sources
- Ayers, D., Nash, S. and Baggett, K. (1996) Threatened Species of Western New South Wales. (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Sydney)
- Black, J.M. (1917) Additions to the Flora of South Australia. Transactions and Proceedings of the Royal Society of South Australia.
- Bowen, P.F. and Pressey, R.L. (1993) Localities and habitats of plants with restricted distributions in the Western Division of New South Wales. Occasional Paper No. 17. (NSW NPWS, Sydney)
- Cunningham, G.M., Mulham, W.E., Milthorpe, P.L. and Leigh, J.H. (1992) Plants of Western New South Wales. (Inkata Press, Sydney)
- Hall, N. and Johnson, L.A.S. (1993) The names of acacias of New South Wales - with a guide to pronunciation of botanical names. (Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney)
- Kodela, P.G. and Harden, G.J. (2002) Acacia. Pp 381-476 in Harden, G.J. (ed.) Flora of New South Wales. Volume 2. Revised Edition (New South Wales University Press, Sydney)
- Maslin, B.R. and Pedley, L. (1982) The distribution of Acacia (Leguminosae: Mimosoideae) in Australia. Part 1. Species distribution maps. Western Australian Herbarium Research Notes 6: 1-128.
- Maslin, B.R., Thompson, L.A.J., McDonald, M.W. and Hamilton-Brown, S. (1998) Edible Wattle Seeds of Southern Australia. (CSIRO, Canberra)
- Porteners, M. and Robertson, G. (2003) Threatened Plants in Western New South Wales: Information Review. (NSW NPWS, Hurstville)
- Pressey, R.L., Cohn, J.S. and Porter, J.L. (1990) Vascular plants with restricted distributions in the Western Division of New South Wales. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 112: 213-227
- Simmons, M.H. (1981) Acacias of Australia. (Nelson, Melbourne)
- Whibley, D.J.E. and Symon, D.E. (1992) Acacias of South Australia. Revised Second Edition. (South Australian Government, Adelaide)
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