Strap wattle, Candelabra wattle

Where does Strap wattle grow?

Found in: Asia, Australia, Burkina Faso, India, Indochina, Kenya, Niger, Nigeria, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, PNG, SE Asia, Senegal, Sudan, Vietnam, West Africa

Notes: There are about 1,350 Acacia species. Over 1,000 occur in Australia. Parts of this plant are used as medicine. It is a tetraploid plant sometimes confused with A. colei. Also as Mimosaceae.

Status: It is used for food in Australia but it is not known to be eaten in PNG.

Growing Strap wattle, Candelabra wattle

Cultivation: 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 can be pruned to control the straggly growth. To avoid fungal growth on the leaves, spacing and placement should be arranged to allow ample air movement.

Edible Uses: The seeds are eaten. The seeds are ground into flour then cooked as flat bread. The roots of young plants are roasted and eaten. The clear gum can also be eaten.

Production: It is a fast growing plant. Plants flower from June to August and produce pods from July to October. Plants may only last 5-6 years. Seeds are separated from the pods by winnowing in the wind.

Nutrition Info

Strap wattle, Candelabra wattle Photos

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