Hall’s Creek wattle
Acacia cowleana
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
Usually occurs on sandy or stony soils. It suits warm semi arid regions. It can stand long periods of drought. It grows in Northern Australia. It cannot tolerate fire. It cannot tolerate frost. It can grow in arid places.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Australia, Burkina Faso, East Africa, Kenya, Southern Africa, West Africa, Zimbabwe
How it is used for food
The seeds are ground into flour and mixed with water then eaten raw. (Damper made from the seeds is claimed to cause headaches.)
Edible parts
Seeds
How it is grown
It is grown from seed.
Seeds are produced in late spring after flowers in May to August. It is a quick growing but short lived shrub.
Its other names
Local names
Alerrey, Aliriya, Alkarta, Kalkardi