Coobah, Willow Wattle
Acacia salicina

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. Also as Mimosaceae.

Where it is found

It grows in Mediterranean climate places. It occurs naturally in mainland Australia. It can grow on many soils but prefers heavy clays. It requires an open sunny position. It is drought and frost resistant. They are mostly found along streams. They are very hardy. It can grow in semi arid places but benefits from water during the dry season. It normally occurs south of 20°S latitude. It probably does best where summers are hot and rainfall is 35-55 mm. It can grow in arid places. It suits hardiness zones 8-9.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Australia (country/location of origin), Britain, East Africa, Egypt, Europe, India, Israel, Libya, Mediterranean, Middle East, North Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The seed are eaten. They are ground into flour and made into bread.

Edible parts

Seeds

How it is grown

It is grown from seed. The seed need treatment to break the hard seed coat. Normally this is by putting the seeds in very hot water and letting the water cool down overnight then planting the seeds immediately. The plants spread by suckers. Because of the range of climates where it will grow, it is best to collect seeds from within the area where it is to be produced.

It grows quickly. The flowers occur June to October and the pods mature August to December.

Its other names

Local names

Broughton willow wattle, Dhulan, Doolan, Murray willow, Native Willow, Swamp wattle, Umung, Thulga winna

Synonyms

Acacia varians Benth.; Racosperma salignum (Labill.) Pedley;