Wattle

Acacia pycnantha

Common name:

Wattle

First Nations name:

Myall, Mulga, Brigalow, Gidgee

Scientific name:

Acacia pycnantha

Height:

5 to 8 metres tall

Leaves:

Curved and between 6 and 20 metres long

Flowers:

Bright yellow sphere-shaped flowers that bloom in late winter and spring

Fruit:

A long and narrow seed pod 5 to 15 centimetres long

First Nations Uses:

Seeds from the pods could be ground into flour to be used in cooking. It has a nutty flavour with hints of coffee. Gum from wattle could be chewed or mixed with water to make a drink.

Geographical Location:

Native to various regions across Australia, including arid and semi-arid environments.

Research and photos by:

Carys English

Interesting fact:

Its common name comes from the aboriginal name pikki, which is a basket made from the sheath of the leaf to carry things around.