Jacksonia scoparia

Jacksonia scoparia
Flowering Jacksonia scoparia
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Rosids
Order:	Fabales
Family:	Fabaceae
Subfamily:	Faboideae
Genus:	Jacksonia
Species:	J. scoparia
Binomial name
Jacksonia scoparia Sm.

Jacksonia scoparia, commonly known as dogwood (from its strong odour when burning), is a native species of a pea-flowered, greyish, leafless, broom-like shrub or small tree that occurs in the south east of Queensland, Australia and eastern New South Wales. It is often seen growing on high exposed ridges in and around the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park on the Northern Tablelands (New South Wales). The yellow 'pea'-type flowers appear in October and November in racemes from the upper branches.^[1]

During droughts, dogwood has provided a useful fodder that is relished by cattle. Propagation is relatively easy from seed following pre-treatment with boiling water (similar to other members of the pea family). Cuttings also strike reasonably readily.^[2]

Named in its honour

Dogwood Creek in Queensland was named after the profusion of Jacksonia scoparia in the area by explorer Ludwig Leichhardt on 23 October 1844 during his expedition from Moreton Bay to Port Essington (now Darwin, Northern Territory).^[3]

References