Red eye wattle

Red eye wattle

Acacia cyclops (Fabaceae)

Common Name:

Red eye wattle

Scientific Name:

Acacia cyclops (Fabaceae)


Alternative common names:

Rooikrans

Description:

One of many wattle species originating from Australia, Rooikrans is a serious invader of the Cape Floristic Kingdom.
Evergreen shrub 1.5-4m high, with bright green elongated leaves and yellow flowers, was brought to South Africa for the primary purpose of stabilising shifting sand dunes in the Western Cape.

Additional Information


Where does this species come from?

South-western Australia

What is its invasive status in South Africa?

CARA 2002 - Category 2 NEMBA - Category 1b

Where in South Africa is it a problem?

In coastal areas, from the Cape Peninsula to the Eastern Cape.

How does it spread?

Seeds dispersed by birds and animals.

Why is it a problem?

Red eye is a problem because competes with indigenous species for resources, which threatens biodiversity. It also has the ability to increase the severity of fire.

What does it look like?

General description: An evergreen shrub 1.5-4m high, with bright green elongated leaves and yellow flowers, which was brought to South Africa for the primary purpose of stabilising shifting sand dunes in the Western Cape.
Leaves: Straight, bright green leaves, with prominent parallel veins.
Flowers: All year round (mainly October to February), with bright yellow globe-shaped flower heads.
Fruit/seeds: Broad brown twisted pods, with black seeds encircles by a row of bright red.

Does the plant have any uses?

Red eye is used in the commercial firewood industry in Western Cape.

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