Black wattle, Ear Pod Wattle
Acacia auriculiformis
Family: Fabaceae
What it is like
A shrub or small tree. It grows 5 m tall. There are prickles along the stem. The leaves are twice divided and there are 8-18 pairs of pinnae. There are up to 50 pairs of pinnules on each pinnae. The flowers are yellow. They are in large clusters at the ends of branches. The pods are flattened.
There are about 1,350 Acacia species. Over 1,000 occur in Australia. This one can become invasive. It has anticancer properties. Also as Mimosaceae.
Where it is found
They are tropical plants. Often trees grow in monsoon vine forest. In tropical Queensland it grows from sea level to 500 m altitude. They are often along the banks of freshwater streams. It prefers open sunny positions. It can survive drought. It is damaged by frost. It can grow on poor soils. It suits hardiness zones 10-12.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Andamans, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Cambodia, Central America, China, East Africa, East Timor, Fiji, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Mauritius, Myanmar, Nepal, Pacific, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Reunion, SE Asia, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, USA, Vietnam
How it is used for food
The gum is eaten in Australia, but it is not known if this is used in Papua New Guinea.
Edible parts
Gum, seeds - oil, leaves
How it is grown
It is grown from seed. The seed needs treatment to help it grow. Normally this is by putting the seeds in very hot water and letting the water cool down overnight then planting the seeds immediately. It is a fast growing plant.
It is fast growing. It is brittle in wind storms. Flowering is May to July with pods in August to October.
Its other names
Local names
Acacia sleuk touch, Akasia kuning, Bunga siam, Earleaf wattle, Kasia, Kathin-narong, Keo bong vang, Keo la-tram, Kratin-narong, Northern Black wattle, Pohon akasia, Pohon akasia hitam, Unar
Synonyms
Racosperma auriculiforme (Benth.) Pedley; Acacia auriculaeformis; Acacia moniliformis Griseb.;