Narrow-Leaf Wattle

Acacia mucronata

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Basic Information

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae

Genus: acacia

Plant ID (slug): acacia-mucronata

Numeric ID: 21213

USDA Hardiness: 7-10

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Acacia mucronata is an evergreen Tree growing to 9 m (29ft) by 5 m (16ft). 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 and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Distribution

Australia - Tasmania, Victoria.

Habitats

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

Edible Uses

The following uses are for the closely related A. longifolia, they almost certainly also apply to this species[K]. Flowers - cooked[144]. Rich in pollen, they are often used in fritters. Seed - roasted[2, 46, 61, 105]. Starchy[177]. 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].