Bastard Mulga: A Lesser-Known Australian Acacia Worth Knowing
If you’re diving deep into the world of Australian native plants, you might stumble upon bastard mulga (Acacia stowardii), a relatively obscure member of the vast Acacia family. While this species doesn’t get nearly as much attention as its flashier cousins, it’s worth understanding what makes this plant tick—and whether it deserves a spot in your garden.
What Exactly Is Bastard Mulga?
Bastard mulga goes by the botanical name Acacia stowardii and was previously known as Acacia clivicola. Don’t let the somewhat unflattering common name fool you—it’s simply a way botanists distinguish it from true mulga species. Like most acacias, this Australian native belongs to the legume family and likely sports the characteristic feathery foliage or modified leaf structures (called phyllodes) that make acacias so distinctive.
Where Does It Come From?
Acacia stowardii calls Australia home, with its native range appearing to be in Queensland. As with many Australian plants, it has evolved to handle the unique challenges of the Australian landscape, from intense sun to variable rainfall patterns.
Should You Plant Bastard Mulga?
Here’s where things get a bit tricky. Acacia stowardii appears to be quite rare in cultivation, and detailed growing information is surprisingly scarce. This could mean several things:
- It might be challenging to grow outside its native habitat
- It could have specific growing requirements that aren’t well documented
- The species might be naturally uncommon or have a limited distribution
- It simply hasn’t caught on with gardeners and nurseries
Important consideration: If you’re interested in this species, it’s crucial to source it responsibly. Never collect plants from the wild, and only purchase from reputable nurseries that can verify their plants are ethically propagated.
Growing Conditions (General Acacia Guidance)
While specific information about Acacia stowardii is limited, most Australian acacias share similar preferences:
- Sunlight: Full sun is typically preferred
- Soil: Well-draining soil is essential; most acacias hate wet feet
- Water: Drought tolerance once established, but may need regular water during establishment
- Climate: Adapted to Mediterranean or semi-arid climates
Better Alternatives to Consider
Given the uncertainty around Acacia stowardii’s cultivation requirements and availability, you might want to consider these well-established native alternatives:
- Golden Mimosa (Acacia baileyana): Stunning golden blooms and silvery foliage
- Silver Wattle (Acacia dealbata): Fast-growing with fragrant yellow flowers
- Knife-leaf Wattle (Acacia cultriformis): Unique triangular leaves and bright yellow blooms
The Bottom Line
Bastard mulga represents one of those intriguing botanical mysteries—a native species that exists but remains largely unknown in cultivation. While it might appeal to plant collectors or those specifically interested in rare Australian natives, most gardeners would be better served by choosing more readily available and well-understood Acacia species.
If you do decide to pursue Acacia stowardii, approach it as an experimental adventure rather than a sure bet. Connect with native plant societies, botanical gardens, or specialized nurseries that might have experience with rare Australian species. And remember—sometimes the most rewarding gardening experiences come from the plants that challenge us to learn something new.
