Highlands Wattle

    (Acacia angusta)

Had no common name - until now!

I hate seeing trees without a common name and this one is too close to home so I have taken it upon myself to christen it "Highlands Wattle" - particularly because it is only found growing on the Central Highlands. In fact the first species of tree you see after the 'Welcome' sign when you enter the Highlands from the east is an acacia angusta, with more to the south near Springsure and to the west near the Drummond ranges.

If you know of an existing common name for this tree, let me know through my feedback page and I'll alter my info here to suit or forever hold your peace!.

Growing to 8 metres high with a trunk diameter to about 180mm, this attractive little tree usually flowers around June/July. Being one of the short-lived wattles, the timber has the same characteristics as many of them in that it splits readily, is quite hard to machine once dry and is very prone to grub attack - but it's unusual colouring is a pleasant change.

'Highlands Wattle' timber cracks easily while drying but the cracking could likely be reduced with one of the many techniques in use like freezing or soaking in detergent. Personally, the most I do is wrap the outside of the green-roughed form in paper to encourage the inside to dry faster which seems to keep the cracking to a level I can deal with - most of the time! While it is deceptively hard to machine, the timber of acacia angusta sands OK and takes a nice finish.

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