Gidgee, Stinking Wattle
Acacia cambagei
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 is a tropical plant. It grows in northern Australia. It suits medium to heavy soils. It requires an open sunny position. It can withstand wind, drought and frost. It is mostly in areas with a rainfall from 50 to 65 mm mostly in summer with long droughts in between.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
The gum is eaten.
Edible parts
Gum
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.
Flowers occur between May and October and pods are mature from August to October.
Its other names
Local names
Bitter gum