Umbrella wattle, Umbrella acacia
Acacia oswaldtii
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 subtropical plant. It grows naturally in Australia south of 20°S latitude. It prefers light to medium soils. It needs an open sunny position. It is drought resistant. It is probably damaged by heavy frost. It is suited to alkaline soils.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
The seed can be eaten raw. They are also ground to a paste.
Edible parts
Seeds
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.
Its other names
Local names
Miljee, Wilpiya waltari