Elephant Ear Wattle, Dunn’s Wattle
Acacia dunnii
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. The leaves have been used for wrapping food. Also as Mimosaceae.
Where it is found
It occurs in northern Australia. It is a tropical plant. It does best in light well drained soil. An open sunny position suits it. It is drought resistant. It is sensitive to cold. It suits hardiness zones 9-11.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
Food use needs checking.
Edible parts
Leaves
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 seeds germinate rapidly after treatment.
The tree grows quickly. Flower blossom occurs in flushes throughout the year. The tree may only last 5 or 6 years.