Acacia stenophylla
Cunn. ex Benth.
River cooba, Eumong
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Summary
Source: WikipediaAcacia stenophylla, commonly referred to as the shoestring acacia, is an evergreen tree in the family Fabaceae and native to Australia. It is not considered rare or endangered.
Description
A shrub or small tree. It grows 5 m tall. There are prickles along the stem. The leaves are twice divided and there are 8-18 pairs of pinnae. There are up to 50 pairs of pinnules on each pinnae. The flowers are yellow. They are in large clusters at the ends of branches. The pods are flattened.
Edible Uses
The pods are roasted and the seeds eaten. Clear gum is eaten raw or softened in hot water then eaten. The leaves are also edible.
Traditional Uses
The pods were roasted and the seeds eaten. Clear gum is eaten raw or softened in hot water then eaten.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
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. 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.
Known Hazards
The seed of many Acacia species, including this one, is edible and highly nutritious, and can be eaten safely as a fairly major part of the diet. Not all species are edible, however, and some can contain moderate levels of toxins. Especially when harvesting from the wild, especial care should be taken to ensure correct identification of any plants harvested for food. Especially in times of drought, many Acacia species can concentrate high levels of the toxin Hydrogen cyanide in their foliage, making them dangerous for herbivores to eat.
Distribution
It occurs naturally on the Australian mainland. It grows in a wide climatic zone from northern tropical to cool temperate. It is often in arid or semi arid places. Rainfalls between 25 mm to 60 mm occur. It grows where summer temperatures are high but winter frosts occur. It prefers heavy soils. It does best in a sheltered position. It is restricted to river courses. It does best with good drainage but can withstand flooding for a short time. It is drought and frost resistant. It can grow in slightly salty soils. It suits hardiness zones 8-10.
Where It Grows
Asia, Australia*, India, Pakistan,
Cultivation
It is grown from seed. The seed need treatment to break the hard seed coat. Normally this is by putting the seeds in very hot water and letting the water cool down overnight then planting the seeds immediately. If the roots are damaged it suckers very easily and can form clumps. It can be grown from cuttings or suckers.
Propagation
The seed of most, if not all, members of this genus has a hard seedcoat and may benefit from scarification before sowing to speed up germination. This can usually be done by pouring a small amount of nearly boiling water on the seeds (being careful not to cook them!) and then soaking them for 12 - 24 hours in warm water. By this time they should have imbibed moisture and swollen - if they have not, then carefully make a nick in the seedcoat (being careful not to damage the embryo) and soak for a further 12 hours before sowing. Acacia seeds that have matured fully on the bush and have been properly dried have a hard seed coat and can be stored in closed containers without deterioration for 5 - 10 years or more in dry conditions at ambient temperatures. It is best to remove the aril, which attracts weevils and can lead to moulds forming. The arils are easilyremoved by placing the seeds in water and rubbing them between the hands, then drying the seeds and winnowing them.
Other Uses
The heartwood is dark, reddish-brown to almost black and beautifully marked. The wood is very hard, heavy, close-grained, and takes a fine polish. It planes excellently, showing a very smooth surface. It can be used for furniture, fence posts etc. The wood is an excellent fuel. The tree is a good windbreak, and it can be used for rehabilitating mine dumps. With its ability to produce suckers, it can be useful as a soil stabilizer.
Notes
There are about 1,350 Acacia species. Over 1,000 occur in Australia. Also as Mimosaceae.
Also Known As
Belalie, Native Willow, River Myall
References (25)
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- Cherikoff V. & Isaacs, J., The Bush Food Handbook. How to gather, grow, process and cook Australian Wild Foods. Ti Tree Press, Australia p 42, 188
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