Appearance
The large shrub or tree up to 2 to 4 metres tall and has a similar width, it has ribbed branchlets that are often arched downward. It is dense with foliage; the leaves are actually enlarged petioles known as phyllodes. They are crinkly and the new ones are covered in hairs. The erect phyllodes are asymettric and have a lanceolate shape and are around 30 millimetres in length and 7 mm wide. The bush is also full of long spines. It usually flowers between August and November producing an axillary flower-spike with small, bright yellow spherical flower heads and the fruits are brown pods 4 to 7 centimetres long. The hard black seeds within have an oblong shape and are about 6 mm in length and half as wide.The spiny stipules that grow at the base of the phyllodes deter livestock from feeding on or too close to the plant.
Distribution
Kangaroo thorn is widely spread across Australia, regenerating from seed after disturbances, such as bush fire. Small birds, including wrens, use this plant as shelter and dwelling, while it is relied upon as a food source for moths, butterflies and other insects, birds also feed on its seeds.It is endemic to south eastern parts of South Australia, much of Victoria, eastern New South Wales and south eastern parts of Queensland. It has become naturalised in parts of Western Australia and Tasmania.
The plant has also been introduced to other continents. In the United States, kangaroo thorn is a well-known noxious weed in California.
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