Flat-stemmed wattle
Acacia complanata
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 subtropical species. It is adaptable to most soils and conditions. It is drought and frost resistant. It suits warmer places but can be grown in cooler places. It does best with a well drained soil and in a sunny position. It suits hardiness zones 9-11.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
The seeds are edible.
Edible parts
Seeds
How it is grown
It is grown from seed. The seed needs to be treated 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. Plants can be pruned to stop them becoming thin and straggly.
Flowers are from December to May and the pods occur between June and November.