Callicoma serratifolia

Black Wattle

Family: Cunoniaceae

Callicoma serratifolia is named for both its flowers, Callicoma being Greek for beautiful hair (the flowers) and serrated leaves.

It is a large, spreading shrub about 4-5m, but sometimes 10-15m, common in gullies, on damp sheltered sandstone cliff ledges, and in rainforests.

Black Wattle Bay on the south-western side of Sydney Harbour Bridge was named after the large number of these shrubs growing there. The "wattle" refers to the flowers' similarity to Acacia, and the plant was one of the first used by the early Sydney settlers to build their wattle and daub dwellings.

The leaves of Callicoma serratifolia are tough and shiny, with a fine whitish felt underneath.

The flowers are a creamy yellow, densely clustered to form ball-shaped heads.

Callicoma serratifolia flowers from October to December.