River cooba, Eumong
Acacia stenophylla
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 occurs naturally on the Australian mainland. It grows in a wide climatic zone from northern tropical to cool temperate. It is often in arid or semi arid places. Rainfalls between 25 mm to 60 mm occur. It grows where summer temperatures are high but winter frosts occur. It prefers heavy soils. It does best in a sheltered position. It is restricted to river courses. It does best with good drainage but can withstand flooding for a short time. It is drought and frost resistant. It can grow in slightly salty soils. It suits hardiness zones 8-10.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia (country/location of origin), India, Pakistan
How it is used for food
The pods were roasted and the seeds eaten. Clear gum is eaten raw or softened in hot water then eaten.
Edible parts
Seeds, gum, leaves
How it is grown
It is grown from seed. The 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. If the roots are damaged it suckers very easily and can form clumps. It can be grown from cuttings or suckers.
Its other names
Local names
Belalie, Native Willow, River Myall