Witchetty bush, Kemp’s Wattle
Acacia kempeana

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 widespread in central Australia. It requires well drained soil. It can grow in part or full sunlight. It can withstand some drought and frost and grows in semi arid areas. It is often in limestone areas. Hot fires can kill it but it can re-shoot after cool fires in winter. 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 are eaten. The tree harbours a large tasty grub which is eaten. Grubs can be 11.5 g weight. The grubs can be eaten raw or lightly roasted. They are good protein. The Red Lerp scale produces a honey dew which is eaten. It also has edible gum.

Edible parts

Seeds, gum, honeydew, grub, leaves

How it is grown

It is grown from seed. The seed needs 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.

Plants flower and seed well only after reasonable rains. The trees look more green at these times.

Its other names

Local names

Atnyima, Ngarlkirdi, Yiripili

Synonyms

Acacia sibirica;