415 
Acacia atrox (Fabaceae: Mimosoideae), a new 
rare species from the North Western Slopes, 
New South Wales 
Phillip G. Kodela 
Abstract 
Kodela, P.G. (National Herbarium of New South Wales, Royal Botanic Gardens, Mrs Macquaries Rd, 
Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia) 2001. Acacia atrox (Fabaceae: Mimosoideae), a new rare species from the 
North Western Slopes, Neiv South Wales. Telopea 9(2): 415-419. Acacia atrox, a new species, is 
described and illustrated. It does not appear to have any particularly close relatives, but may have 
some affinities with A. carneorum Maiden from which it is readily distinguished by its glabrous 
branchlets, pale-coloured flower-heads and especially by its phyllodes which are characteristica y 
markedly splayed or dilated at their base. Acacia atrox is restricted to the Inverell region on t e 
North Western Slopes of New South Wales and is provisionally listed as an endangered species, 
requiring planning and management for its conservation. 
Introduction 
During the year 2000 specimens of an unusual Acacia from the Inverell region with 
sessile, pungent-pointed phyllodes were sent to the National Herbarium o ew 
South Wales by NSW Agriculture staff for identification. Perhaps the most distinctive 
feature of these plants was the base of their phyllodes which were conspicuous y 
splayed, a most unusual (but not unique) character for an Acacia. The land 10 ei o 
the property from where these specimens originated had concerns that this Acacia was 
spreading and could become a weed hazard for agricultural activities on his property 
Some control methods had been practised in the past but the wattle prevai e an 
strategies for its management were being sought by the landholder an 
Agriculture. It soon became apparent, however, that the Acacia in question a no 
been previously collected and was an undescribed species. Furthermore, it is nown 
only from the type locality and has since been Provisionally Listed as an En angere 
Species in the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act, 1995. 
Taxonomy 
Acacia atrox Kodela sp. nov. 
Frutex gregarius fortasse clonalis vulgo usque ad 2 m altus; phyllodia glabra 
quadrangularia vel teretia, sessilia, basi dilatata apice pungentia; capitula go u aria, 
flavida, 17-25-flora, plerumque bina axi brevissimo insidentia; legumina ignota. 
Type: New South Wales: North Western Slopes: Myall Creek Station, c. 18 km S of 
Delungra, W of Inverell, W. Hawes, P. O'Keefe & /. Kewley NSW445997, 17 July 2000 
(holo: NSW; iso: CANB, K, MEL, MO, PERTH). 
Dense, much branched shrub normally 0.5-1.5 (-2) m high, oldest plants to 4 m high, 
main stem less than 10 cm diam. at breast height, sometimes twisted; spreading by 
suckering. Bark grey-brown, becoming dark grey and vertically fissured with age. 
