Myrtle wattle, Red-stem wattle
Acacia myrtifolia
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 temperate plant. It is resistant to frost. It can grow in alkaline soils. Hobart Botanical gardens. Arboretum Tasmania.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia (country/location of origin), India, Tasmania
How it is used for food
The leaves are used as a hops substitute in beer making.
Edible parts
Leaves - flavouring
How it is grown
Plants are grown from treated seeds.
Its other names
Local names
Red-stemmed wattle