Sydney Golden Wattle, Acacia

Acacia longifolia

Physical Characteristics

Acacia longifolia is an evergreen Tree growing to 9 m (29ft) by 6 m (19ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower in March. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy) 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 saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Distribution

Australia - New South Wales, Queensland, Southern Australia, Tasmania, Victoria.

Habitats

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

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Seed Seedpod Edible Uses: Flowers - cooked[144]. Rich in pollen, they are often used in fritters. The flowers have a violet-like fragrance[245]. Seed - roasted[2, 46, 61, 105]. Starchy[177]. Rather small and fiddly to gather[K]. Acacia seeds are highly nutritious and contain approx 26% protein, 26% available carbohydrate, 32% fibre and 9% fat[278]. The fat content is higher than most legumes with the aril providing the bulk of fatty acids present[278]. These fatty acids are largely unsaturated which is a distinct health advantage although it presents storage problems as such fats readily oxidise[278]. The mean total carbohydrate content of 55.8 + 13.7% is lower than that of lentils, but higher than that of soybeans while the mean fibre content of 32.3 + 14.3% is higher than that of other legumes such as lentils with a level of 11.7%[278]. The energy content is high in all species tested, averaging 1480+270 kJ per 100g[278]. Wattle seeds are low glycaemic index foods. The starch is digested and absorbed very slowly, producing a small, but sustained rise in blood glucose and so delaying the onset of exhaustion in prolonged exercise[278]. Seedpods - roasted[177]. The pods are up to 10cm long[219].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known