Acacia pulchella

The shrub typically grows to a height of branches freely, and has flexuose and spine-tipped pale green branchlets and stipules. The leaves are composed of three to five pinnae. The name "prickly moses" is said to be a corruption of "prickly mimosa". ==Taxonomy==

It was first described in 1813 by Robert Brown. The specific epithet is derived from Latin and names small and beautiful. There are four recognised varieties: • A. p. var. glaberrima • A. p. var. goadbyi • A. p. var. pulchella • A. p. var. reflexa It belongs to the A pulchella group of wattles along with Acacia amputata, Acacia epacantha, Acacia fagonioides, Acacia guinetii, Acacia lasiocarpa and Acacia megacephala. ==Distribution==

It is found in the Perth, Peel, South West, Great Southern, and southern parts of the Wheatbelt and Mid West, where it is commonly situated in swamps, low-lying areas, and near creeks and rivers. The range of the plant extends from around Geraldton in the north down to near Esperance in the east and to coastal areas in the west and south. Geraldton to Esperance. A single population in Creek Conservation ParkPark has also been recorded in South Australia. ==Ecology==

Recent research suggests that A. pulchella may in some circumstances suppress the plant pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi. == Uses ==

This prickly shrub is useful as a screen to inhibit animal and human access to areas. ==See also==