Bramble wattle. Gundabluey, Bardi bush

Acacia victoriae

Physical Characteristics

Acacia victoriae is an evergreen Shrub growing to 10 m (32ft) by 10 m (32ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Bees. It can fix Nitrogen. It is noted for attracting wildlife. 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 alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

Australia - all mainland states.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed Edible Uses: Gum Seed - cooked[301 ]. A delicious flavour[301 ]. The seed can be dried and ground into a powder then used with wheat flour etc when making bread and cakes[301 ]. The dark, rich flour produced from the seed is of high quality with overtones of coffee and chicory in the flavour[301 ]. The pods are also harvested when the seeds are fully formed, but still green - the pods are then lightly roasted and the seed is eaten [1297 ]. Acacia seeds are highly nutritious and contain around 26% protein, 26% available carbohydrate, 32% fibre and 9% fat. The fat content is higher than most legumes with the aril providing the bulk of fatty acids present. These fatty acids are largely unsaturated. The energy content is high in all species tested, averaging 1480 ±270 kJ per 100g. The 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[1295 ]. The roasted seed can be used as a coffee substitute[301 ]. A white gum found on the trunk can be eaten[1297 ].

Medicinal Uses

Dysentery The plant contains compounds called avicins which have been shown to inhibit inflammation and cancer in laboratory studies[1096 ]. The bark of all Acacia species contains greater or lesser quantities of tannins and are astringent. Astringents are often used medicinally - taken internally, for example. they are used in the treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery, and can also be helpful in cases of internal bleeding. Applied externally, often as a wash, they are used to treat wounds and other skin problems, haemorrhoids, perspiring feet, some eye problems, as a mouth wash etc[601 , K ]. Many Acacia trees also yield greater or lesser quantities of a gum from the trunk and stems. This is sometimes taken internally in the treatment of diarrhoea and haemorrhoids[601 ].

Known Hazards

None known