Gidgee (Acacia cambagei): Australia’s Toughest Tree and Its Timeless Timber

P5241448 flickr photo by MargaretDonald shared under a Creative Commons (BY-SA) license

The Gidgee tree (Acacia cambagei), commonly known as stinking wattle, is a hardy native of Australia’s arid regions. Renowned for its dense wood, resilience to harsh environments, and cultural significance, it’s one of the most fascinating trees in the Australian landscape. From providing vital ecological support to being a prized resource for artisans, Gidgee continues to leave its mark across industries and ecosystems.

Botanical and Physical Characteristics

• Scientific Name: Acacia cambagei
• Family: Fabaceae
• Common Names: Gidgee, stinking wattle, gidyea, gidya
• Size: Typically grows between 4–15 meters tall.
  • Features: Dark, flaky bark that becomes fissured with age.
  • Lance-shaped, silvery-grey phyllodes replacing traditional leaves.
  • Small, golden-yellow spherical flowers appearing sporadically from autumn to spring (Lucid Central).

Gidgee tree flickr photo by drelliott0net shared under a Creative Commons (BY) license

Habitat and Distribution

Gidgee trees thrive in Australia’s arid and semi-arid regions, particularly in Queensland, Northern Territory, New South Wales, and South Australia. They often dominate the landscape, forming dense woodlands or appearing as scattered individuals in open plains.

• Preferred Soil: Gidgee grows best in dark-cracking clay soils or loams but adapts well to nutrient-poor, saline, or alkaline conditions.
• Geographic Range: Extends from central Queensland to northeastern South Australia and parts of the Northern Territory (PlantNet).

The Stinking Wattle: Name and Odour

Gidgee is commonly called the stinking wattle due to the strong odour emitted by its bark and phyllodes during humid or wet weather. The smell is often likened to boiled cabbage and is particularly noticeable in dense Gidgee woodlands.

Interestingly, this odour doesn’t extend to the tree’s timber, which carries a pleasant spicy aroma and is highly sought after by woodworkers (TTIT).

Ecological Role and Cultural Significance

Supporting the Ecosystem

Gidgee trees provide vital shade and shelter for wildlife in Australia’s harshest climates. The flowers are an important pollen source for bees and other insects, while the tree enriches the soil through nitrogen fixation (Queensland Government).

gidgee commongin flickr photo by boofboat shared under a Creative Commons (BY-NC-SA) license

Indigenous and Historical Uses

The Kalkadoon Aboriginal people used Gidgee for crafting tools such as boomerangs, nulla nullas, and clapsticks. The tree’s gum was also a medicinal remedy for sore throats and a sweet treat when dried (Useful Tropical Plants).

Gidgee Timber: Properties and Uses

Timber Properties

• Density: Extremely hard, with a dried weight of 72 lbs/ft³.
• Durability: Naturally termite-resistant and rot-proof, making it ideal for outdoor use.
• Appearance: Features reddish-brown heartwood with darker streaks and unique curly or "ringed" grain patterns (Wood Database).

Modern Applications

• Fence Posts and Firewood: Known for exceptional durability and long-lasting performance, even in extreme conditions.
• Artisan Products: Used in high-quality woodturning projects, including handcrafted boxes, mills, and trophies.
• Charcoal Production: Burns intensely with high efficiency, even when freshly cut (TTIT).

Gidgee Products from Australian Woodwork

At Australian Woodwork, we take pride in crafting stunning pieces from Gidgee timber, showcasing its exceptional durability and mesmerizing natural grain. Our handcrafted creations celebrate the unique beauty and strength of this iconic Australian wood.

Flip-Top Ring Box

Compact and beautifully finished, the Flip-Top Ring Box is a perfect keepsake for storing rings. Its intricate grain patterns make it a unique piece.

Small Oval Trinket Boxes

Handcrafted from Gidgee, these elegant trinket boxes are perfect for small treasures, from jewellery to keepsakes.

Large Chef’s Mill in Purple Gidgee

This durable spice grinder showcases the wood’s natural grain while delivering exceptional functionality in the kitchen.

Chef’s Mill in Purple Gidgee

A smaller version of the Chef’s Mill, this piece offers the same craftsmanship in a more compact design.

FAQ About Gidgee

What is Gidgee’s ecological role?

Gidgee trees provide shade, enrich soil with nitrogen, and support wildlife, including birds, insects, and reptiles.

Why does Gidgee have a strong odour?

Its bark and phyllodes release a distinct smell during humid weather, giving rise to the nickname "stinking wattle."

What are the best uses for Gidgee wood?

Gidgee is ideal for fence posts, firewood, and high-quality artisan products like handcrafted boxes and mills.

References

Australian Government, Department of Environment and Science. (n.d.). Species profile—Acacia cambagei (gidgee). Retrieved February 3, 2025, from https://apps.des.qld.gov.au/species-search/details/?id=15783

Lucid Central. (n.d.). Acacia cambagei R.T.Baker. Retrieved February 3, 2025, from https://apps.lucidcentral.org/wattle/text/entities/acacia_cambagei.htm

PlantNet. (n.d.). Acacia cambagei R.T.Baker. Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney. Retrieved February 3, 2025, from https://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Acacia~cambagei

The Wood Database. (n.d.). Gidgee (Acacia cambagei). Retrieved February 3, 2025, from https://www.wood-database.com/gidgee/

TTIT Wood Projects. (n.d.). Gidgee (Acacia cambagei). Retrieved February 3, 2025, from https://www.ttit.id.au/treepages/gidgee.htm

Useful Tropical Plants. (2017). Acacia cambagei R.T.Baker. Retrieved February 3, 2025, from https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Acacia+cambagei