'KARRANK' GOLDEN WATTLE (Acacia pycnantha) Seeds

The golden wattle is the floral emblem of Australia.

It grows from 2 to 10 metres tall and is fast growing, but sadly can be short lived. Adapts to most soils as long as they are free draining, and can take some frost and dry periods. Performs best in temperate climate zones.

The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).

The extensive root system of this plant helps to prevent soil erosion. It is often planted for this purpose on sandy banks

Suitable for: light (sandy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: acid and neutral soils, prefers a pH in the range 5.8 to 6.5.  It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. 

This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby.

Bush food: Green seed can be cooked like peas. Ripe seed can be baked then ground with a mortar and pestle into a low glycaemic flour. The seed of this particular wattle is also used as a vanilla/coffee flavour and can be roasted and ground and used as a coffee substitute, or to flavour ice-cream etc. 

The flowers rich in pollen can be used in fritters.

Bush medicine:  The bark is rich in tannins and can be used to treat indigestion.

Other uses: A yellow dye is obtained from the flowers. A green dye is obtained from the seed pods. The flowers are very fragrant and can be used for making perfume.

Germination: Seed should be scarified, pre-soaked for 12 hours in warm water and then sown. The seed germinates in 3 - 4 weeks at 25°c