Lancewood, Hickory Wattle, Thick-podded salwood
Acacia crassicarpa

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 tropical plant. It mostly occurs in the tropics in Australia and Papua New Guinea. In Papua New Guinea it occurs in the dry Western province regions. It prefers light soils in an open sunny position. It can resist drought and frost. But it grows better with extra water during dry periods. It mostly occurs in coastal regions up to 30 m altitude. It suits hardiness zones 10-12.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, China, Indochina, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, SE Asia, Thailand

How it is used for food

The young roots are roasted and eaten. The seeds are roasted and eaten.

It is used for food in Australia but it is not known if it is used for food in Papua New Guinea.

Edible parts

Roots, seeds

How it is grown

It is grown from seed. 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 pods occur in October to November.

Its other names

Local names

Brown sandalwood, New Guinea red wattle, Northern golden wattle, Red wattle, Thick-podded salwood, Woodypod wattle

Synonyms

Racosperma crassicarpum (Benth.) Pedley;