Callicoma
| Callicoma | |
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| An 1895 illustration by Edward Minchen | |
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| Genus: | Callicoma |
| Species: | C. serratifolia
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| Binomial name | |
| Callicoma serratifolia | |
Callicoma, is a plant genus that contains just one species, Callicoma serratifolia (Black Wattle), a tall shrub or small tree which is native to Australia.
Description
Black Wattle can grow up to 20 metres in height, though in cultivation it is more likely to reach a height of between 6 to 10 metres with a 3 metre spread. It has lanceolate or elliptic leaves that grow up to 12 cm long and 5 cm wide with coarsely serrate margins. The upper side of the leaves are dark green, while the lower sides are white due to the presence of fine, white hairs.The pale-yellow globular flower heads appear in late spring and early summer (November to December in Australia). These average 1.5 cm in diameter and have 1 to 2 cm long stalks.
Taxonomy
The first published description of the species, in 1809, is attributed to H.C.Andrews. Despite the common name of Black Wattle, and a superficial resemblance to species in the genus Acacia, Callicoma is not closely related.
Distribution
It occurs within, and on the edges of, rainforest in near-coastal areas within New South Wales and south-east Queensland, mostly along drainage lines or near creeks.
Common Names
Callicoma serratifolia is commonly known as Black Wattle, as it was used by early settlers in the Sydney area to construct wattle and daub buildings. The species has a number of other common names include Callicoma, Butterwood, Silver Leaf, Silver-leaf Butterwood and Wild Quince.
References
- "Callicoma Andrews". Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), IBIS database. Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government.
- "Callicoma serratifolia Andrews". Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), IBIS database. Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government.
- PlantNET: New South Wales Flora Online: Callicoma serratifolia
- Australian National Botanic Gardens: Callicoma serratifolia