Ironweed tree, Desert Ironwood
Acacia estrophiolata
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 suits hot dry places. It does well in well drained light to medium soils. It prefers full sun. It occurs in central Australia. It is common near Alice Springs. It is very drought tolerant. It is easily killed by fire. It can grow in arid places. It suits hardiness zones 9-10.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
The seeds are eaten. The gum is eaten. Lerp honeydew is also eaten.
Edible parts
Seeds, gum, honeydew
How it is grown
It is grown from seed.
Young plants grow slowly, but grow rapidly when more established. Pods normally are produced in late autumn, and can remain on the tree for a long time. Because the pod clings to the seed, processing the seed is more difficult. But seed often remain after other acacia seed have gone. The red gum exuding from the tree is not edible but the white gum linked with boring insect damage is eaten.
Its other names
Local names
Athenge Tjau, Athiyimpa, Utjanypa