MULGA

Tall shrub or small tree, to 8m high, usually found in clumps in open woodland. It is very long lived and mature trees can be 100 years old. It is a valuable source of fodder in drought and provides shades and shelter. The branches ascending, or more horizontal and giving a layered effect.

Leaves - variable in size and shape, 3-7cm long, 1-2.5mm broad, compressed – cylindrical or narrow-linear, greyish-blue coloured due to a minute downy covering, finely striate.

Flowers - bright yellow, in stalked spikes 15-30 mm long borne in the leaf axils.

Pods - 20-35mm long, 5-14mm wide, flat, oblong or narrowed towards the base, membranous, more or less sticky, net-veined and narrowly winged.

Flowering following suitable rains.

Indigenous uses - implements and weapons were made from the timber and the seeds were a source of food. The name Mulga comes from the name of a small Indigenous shield.