SPECIES: Acacia brachypoda — Western Wheatbelt Wattle
CLASSIFICATION: Endangered
Meet the Western Wheatbelt Wattle, an endangered species found only in a small area of Western Australia's wheatbelt region. This compact shrub, rarely exceeding 1 metre in height, is known for its striking golden-yellow flower heads that bloom in late winter to early spring, providing essential habitat and food for native pollinators.
With fewer than 1,000 mature plants remaining in fragmented populations, Western Wheatbelt Wattle faces severe threats from habitat loss due to land clearing for agriculture, invasive weeds, and changes in fire regimes. Its limited range makes it highly vulnerable to environmental disturbances. Conservation efforts focus on protecting remnant vegetation, reducing invasive species impact, and raising awareness of the importance of native plants in healthy ecosystems.
Photo: B R Maslin