Summer-scented wattle
Acacia rostellifera
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
This tree occurs naturally in Western Australia. It prefers light to medium soils. It likes some lime. It prefers well drained soils. It requires an open sunny position but can stand light shade. It is drought resistant. It is damaged by heavy frosts. Coastal forms can tolerate salt spray near the coast.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
It has a gum which is eaten. It has a pleasant taste.
Edible parts
Seeds, gum
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. It can be grown from cuttings.
The gum can be stored.