Cape Leeuwin wattle, Caped Wattle, Crested Wattle, Swamp Wattle, Brush wattle
Paraserianthes lophantha

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A small slender tree. It grows up to 6-10 m tall and spreads 2-8 m across. The small branches are slightly ribbed. The leaves are feather like. They are twice divided. There are many small leaflets. The flowers are small and creamy yellow. They occur in large numbers. The stamens are long. The flowers occur in dense spikes in the axils of leaves. The spikes are 10 cm long. The fruit are long, flat, brownish pods. They are 8-12 cm long. They contain many black seeds. There are 6-12 seeds.

There are 4 Paraserianthes species. Some Paraserianthes have been transferred to Falcataria. It can be invasive. Also as Mimosaceae.

Where it is found

It grows in temperate and subtropical places. It grows along rivers and near the edges of forest. It can grow in moist well drained soils and dry soils. It does best in full sun. It can grow in arid places. In Indonesia it grows in mountain forests between 1,800-3,100 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 9-10. Tasmania Herbarium.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Algeria, Asia, Australia (country/location of origin), Bolivia, Britain, Colombia, East Africa, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Hawaii, India, Indonesia (country/location of origin), Italy, Kenya, Morocco, New Zealand, Norfolk Is., North America, Pacific, Pakistan, Peru, SE Asia, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America, Spain, Tanzania, Tasmania, USA, Venezuela

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Seeds, spice

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed. Seed germinate readily. It re-sprouts when cut.

It is fast growing.

Its other names

Local names

Pohon kemlaningan gunung

Synonyms

Acacia lophantha Willd.; Acacia montana Jungh.; Albizia montana (Jungh.) Benth.; Albizia distachya (Vent.) J. F. Macbr.; Albizia lophantha (Willd.) Benth.; Feuilleea distachya (Vent.) Kuntze; Mimosa lophantha (Willd.) Pers.;