A spreading shrub 2-3 m tall. Leaves with 3-7 pairs of primary divisions, without glands between them but a basal gland prominent, the divisions 1.5-3.5 cm long, with 8-20 pairs of leaflets each 4-9 mm long,1-2 mm wide, spiny stipules 1-2.5 cm long. Flower heads 1-3 per leaf axil, each of 40-80 flowers, fragrant; year round but mostly winter to early spring. Fruit pods woody, 4-6 cm long, about 1 cm wide.

Widely cultivated and naturalised, mostly in Qld and NSW. Probably a native of tropical America and introduced into Australia prior to European settlement. Flower extracts are used commercially for perfumery.

Tropical America.

Source: Spencer, R. (2002). Mimosaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 3. Flowering plants. Dicotyledons. Part 2. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press. (as Acacia farnesiana)