Desert wattle
Acacia dictyophleba
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 occurs naturally in the Northern half of Australia. It is mostly in central Australian regions and is not common. It is drought and frost resistant. It prefers well drained soils and a sunny position. It suits places with a hot dry climate. It can grow in arid places. It cannot tolerate fire.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
The seed is eaten. The seeds are ground like flour then eaten. The seeds are very nutritious being 26 % protein. Grubs are found in the roots.
Seeds are an important food in Central Australia.
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 flowers develop in April to September followed by seeds.
Its other names
Local names
Athiyimpa, Wajarnpi