Maitland’s wattle
Acacia maitlandii

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 occurs in inland Australia. It grows in sandy soils. It needs a sunny position. It can tolerate fire. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The seed is eaten. It is ground to make flour then cooked. Grubs in the roots are eaten.

Edible parts

Seeds, grubs, gum

How it is grown

It can be grown from seed or cuttings.

The pods mature in October to November.

Its other names

Local names

Ilupa-lupa, Lwepe-lwepe, Jumpinhkar

Synonyms

Acacia patens;