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 georgensis
Profile last updated:
21 Sep 2021
Description
The Bega Wattle is an erect or spreading tree, 3 - 12 m high with deeply fissured bark. The wattle ‘leaves’ (phyllodes) are stiff and curved, 7 - 17 cm long and 15 - 30 mm wide, with three prominent veins. Flower-heads are in long spikes, golden-yellow, and appear singly or in pairs. The pods are more or less straight and flat, 2 - 7 cm long and 3 - 4 mm wide. Flowers appear between August and October. It is reported to emit an ‘offensive odour’ during rain.
Distribution
Only occurs in the far South East of NSW with known sites at Kianinny Bay in Bournda National Park, on Dr George Mountain, Wadbilliga National Park and in Bemboka and Coolangubra Sections (one location on cliffs above the Towamba River) of the South East Forests National Park.
Habitat and ecology
- Typically occurs on well-drained, shallow soils at sites with considerable exposed rock.
- The sites where it is found represent a range of different environments with correspondingly varied vegetation; in general, other tree species are uncommon but can include Veined Olive (Notelaea venosa), Hickory Wattle (Acacia implexa), Forest Red Gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis), Woollybutt (E. longifolia), Bega Mallee (E. spectatrix) and Gully Gum (E. smithii).
- Individuals are evidentially very long-lived, highly drought-tolerant, fire-sensitive trees.
- Reproduction is exclusively from seed and the plants are not capable of suckering.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Loss due to clearing in conjunction with power and telephone line maintenance is considered to be a threat at the Dr George Mountain site.
- African Lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula) is present at both Towamba River and Dr George Mountain sites and maybe a threat to recruitment of this species in the event of fire.
- Inappropriate fire regimes including fire frequency, intensity, seasonality and scale may result in the loss of seedbank stores and/or alter appropriate floristic and structural diversity.
- Climate change associated drought impacts (e.g. extreme heat and dryness) increasing the vulnerability of plants to desiccation
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
- Future fire management planning needs to take account of the species’ requirements.
- Appropriate fire management guidelines and fire protection requirements will be incorporated into the Bega Valley Bush Fire Risk Management Plan and the South East Forests National Park Fire Management Plan.
- The impact from powerline maintenance should be minimised or eliminated in consultation with Telstra and Country Energy.
- A program of weed eradication and monitoring will be undertaken at the Dr George Mountain site and a survey and management plan is required for the control of African Lovegrass in the Towamba River valley.
Information sources
- 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)
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2003) Draft Recovery Plan for Threatened Flora of Rocky Outcrops in South Eastern New South Wales. (NPWS, Sydney)
- Tame, T. (1992) Acacias of South East Australia. (Kangaroo Press, Kenthurst)
- Tindale, M.D. (1980) Notes on Australian taxa of Acacia No. 6. Telopea 1(6): 429-449
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IBRA Bioregion
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IBRA Subregion
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Known or predicted
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Geographic restrictions region
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| South East Corner | South East Coastal Ranges |
Known
| Between Merimbula and Bermagui, south of Deua National Park |