Dead Finish, Kurara
Acacia tetragonophylla
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
A native of inland Australia. It will grow on most soils, but is most common on sandy soils near water courses. It prefers an open sunny position. It is drought and frost resistant. It suits arid and semi arid places. It mostly grows south of 21°S latitude. In its area of growth the rainfall is often only 18-25 mm per year. The temperature in the hottest month may be around 24°C. It cannot tolerate fire. It can grow in arid places.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
The seeds are eaten raw. In some places the seeds are cooked in the pod. They are also eaten when mature after being crushed into flour. They are eaten uncooked. They have a nutty flavour. The tree also often has edible grubs in its roots.
Edible parts
Seeds, grubs
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. It can also be grown by cuttings.
It is slow growing. Flowering is from June to December. Seed is produce in autumn.
Its other names
Local names
Alkitjirra, Curara, Jilkuru, Kurara, Wakalpuka