Sweet Acacia, Perfume Acacia, Huisache

Acacia farnesiana

Physical Characteristics

Acacia farnesiana is a deciduous Shrub growing to 9 m (29ft 6in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from February to March. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid, very alkaline and saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

The original range is uncertain, but is probably tropical America.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Edible Uses: Gum Gum A low-quality gum obtained from the plant is used to prepare sweets[272]. Sweet acacia provides several edible parts, though all should be cooked before use to reduce toxins. Leaves: Small leaflets can be boiled and eaten. They have a mild, green flavor but are somewhat stringy. The cooking water is also palatable [2-3]. Flowers: Soft-textured and fair in flavor. Best when steeped to make a pleasant tea, though caution is needed as acacia flowers may contain cyanide compounds — the flowers should be removed after steeping, and the tea boiled before drinking [2-3]. Young pods: Tender green pods can be boiled and eaten like vegetables. They are juicy and mildly flavored, with hints of melon, though bitterness can develop with age. Only young pods are suitable; older pods become tough and woody [2-3]. The plant is armed with sharp spines, making gathering difficult. Mature seeds are not considered edible [2-3].

Medicinal Uses

Astringent Demulcent Dysentery Poultice Stomachic The bark is astringent and demulcent[240]. Along with the leaves and roots it is used for medicinal purposes[269]. Colombians bathe in the bark decoction as a treatment for typhoid[269]. The gummy roots have been chewed as a treatment for sore throat[269]. A decoction of the gum from the trunk has been used in the treatment of diarrhoea[269]. An infusion of the flowers has been used as a stomachic. It is also used in the treatment of dyspepsia and neuroses[269]. The flowers are added to ointment, which is rubbed on the forehead to treat headaches[269]. The powdered dried leaves have been applied externally as a treatment for wounds[269]. The green pods have been decocted and used in the treatment of dysentery and inflammations of the skin and raucous membranes[269]. An infusion of the pod has been used in the treatment of sore throats, diarrhoea, leucorrhoea, conjunctivitis, and uterorrhagia[269]. The juice of the bark is used in Nepal to treat swellings[272].

Known Hazards

The seeds, containing an unnamed alkaloid, are used to kill rabid dogs in Brazil[269]. Mature seeds are not considered edible [2-3].