Activity From The Monarto to Tungkillo Biodiversity Links Project

We are pleased to share that the next activity in our Monarto to Tungkillo Biodiversity Links Project is almost ready to go! We have propagated and raised over 100 seedlings of the nationally vulnerable Acacia menzelii (Menzel’s Wattle) which will be planted across key priority sites to increase populations of this important plant.

With an estimated 11,000 individual plants remaining in the Murraylands and Riverland region, every plant counts. With a bright green canopy of waxy phyllodes (‘leaves’), and distinctive yellow wattle flowers in spring, Menzel’s Wattle is an attractive small shrub, growing between 1-2m.

Some interesting facts about Acacia menzelii;

• In the Murray Mallee and Mount Lofty Ranges regions you can find Menzel’s Wattle on the gentle slopes of undulating plains and low rolling hills amongst rocky outcrops.

• Around the Monarto region, the species can be found in a range of vegetation associations, including Mallee Box low woodland and Southern Cypress Pine open woodland. (Davies, 1992).

• The main threats include weed competition, land clearing and habitat fragmentation.

Our conservation efforts go beyond planting seedlings. As part of this project, we are also completing crucial weed control work and developing simple management plans to guide future habitat restoration and reconstruction activities. If you think you have sighted an Acacia menzelii be sure to report your observation to the team at Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board.

Thank you to the South Australian Seed Conservation Centre for use of the images.

This Nature Activity is supported by Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board through funding from by the landscape levies.