Umbrella bush, Small Cooba Wattle
It is native to inland Australia. It occurs on dry alkaline soil or coastal sand dunes. It prefers open sunny positions. It is resistant to drought and frost. Fire stimulates the germination of seedlings. It grows in areas with annual rainfalls between 120-1,200 mm. It can grow in arid places. In the Inland Botanical Gardens Mildura.
Also known as:
Sandhill Wattle, Watarka
Synonyms
- Acacia bivenosa DC subsp. wayi (Maiden) Pedley
- Racosperma ligulatum (Cunn. ex Benth.) Pedley
Edible Portion
- Seeds, Gum, Grub
Where does Umbrella bush grow?
Found in: Africa, Australia, Israel, Libya, North Africa, Tunisia
Notes: There are about 1,350 Acacia species. Over 1,000 occur in Australia. Also as Mimosaceae.
Growing Umbrella bush, Small Cooba Wattle
Cultivation: It is grown from seed. 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.
Edible Uses: The seeds are ground into flour then eaten. It often has an edible grub in the roots. The white gum is eaten.
Production: The flowers are produced in August to October and the pods from October to November. Flowering can also occur at other times of the year. This depends on rainfall.
Nutrition Info
per 100g edible portion| Edible Part | Energy (kcal) | Protein (g) | Iron (mg) | Vitamin A (ug) | Vitamin c (mg) | Zinc (mg) | % Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seed | 354 | 24 | 6.8 | - | - | 2.2 | 4.3 |
| Gum | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Umbrella bush, Small Cooba Wattle Photos
References
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