Mulga

The mulga is a hardy wattle ideally suited to arid and desert regions. In these areas, the shrub is such a conspicuous element of the landscape it has given rise to the term ‘mulga country’.

Most mulga bloom between March to October, and after heavy rain, with pretty spikes of small bright-yellow wattle flowers. It has needle-like leaves which are covered with fine silver-grey hairs.

The sophisticated arrangement of mulga branches funnels water to the stem and on to its long taproot, enabling it to withstand long periods of drought. It can grow to a height of 10m. But in arid regions with low rainfall, it tends to reach 3m. While most acacias are relatively short-lived, the mulga has a lifespan of 50 years.