Botanical Name:Acacia victoriae
Family: Fabaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Fabales
Clade: Mimosoideae
Genus: Acacia
Species: A. victoriae
Common Names:Bramble wattle, Gundabluie or Bardi bush
Habitat: Acacia victoriae is native to Australia in arid and semi-arid areas, the Acacia victoriae is generally found in alkaline soils including clayey alluvials, grey cracking clays and saline loams on floodplains, alluvial flats, rocky hillsides and ridges. Found in a variety of habitats on plains and gentle slopes, frequently in sandy soils along watercourses; also on stony ridges and coastal dunes; at elevations up to 750 metres.
Description:
Acacia victoriae is an evergreen Shrub growing to 10 m (32ft) by 10 m (32ft) at a fast rate. Mature Acacia victoriae tree are having multiple trunks. They reach a height of about 5–6 meters and is moderately fast growing. It has a life-span of about 10–15 years. The tree has a large root system, known to extend to 20m. It is able to survive drought fairly well, however not in severe drought, though it can regenerate from suckers. Flowering begins in August and continues into late December; depending on the region the tree is found. As with the variation of flowering, the maturation of the seeds is also variant.
The branches of Acacia victoriae are covered in small spines that are about 1 cm in length. During flowering, the branches are full clustered, yellowish, and strong scented flowers. Each flower is in a pair within the 12–12 cm cluster. Seeds are found in 8 cm pale coloured pods. The seeds themselves are about 0.5 cm and brown in colour.
Cultivation:
A plant of the arid and semi-arid warm temperate to tropical areas of Australia, where it is found at elevations up to 750 metres. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 12 – 32c, but can tolerate 5 – 38c. Mature plants can be killed by temperatures of -10c or lower, though young growth can be killed at -1c. It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 300 – 800mm, but tolerates 100 – 1,000mm. Grows best in a sunny position. Succeeds in most soils, being able to tolerate occasional short-term inundation. Prefers a pH in the range 6 – 7.5, tolerating 5 – 8.5. Established plants are very drought tolerant. The tree has the potential to become a weed when grown in moister climates outside its native range. The plant responds very well to coppicing. Trees are relatively short-lived, with a probable lifespan of 10 – 15 years. 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. Time to Fruit/Flower/Harvest 2-3 Years.
Edible Uses:
Seed – cooked. A delicious flavour. The seed can be dried and ground into a powder then used with wheat flour etc when making bread and cakes. The dark, rich flour produced from the seed is of high quality with overtones of coffee and chicory in the flavour. The roasted seed can be used as a coffee substitute.A white gum found on the trunk can be eaten.
Medicinal Uses:
The plant contains compounds called avicins which have been shown to inhibit inflammation and cancer in laboratory studies.
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.
Other Uses:
Agroforestry Uses: The plant is useful as a low windbreak and for soil stabilisation in dry country, especially as it can readily regenerate from suckers and sometimes forms thickets. It can be used for sand dune stabilization. Numbers may increase markedly during a succession of wet seasons and it can become a nuisance, especially around watering points. Other Uses: The branches and twigs exude a clear gum. The wood is used for fuel. The seeds have also been used as fodder, being a good source of protein.Birds and small mammals are known to use the tree as protection. The seeds and foliage also offer a source of food to wild animals.
The Acacia victoriae is useful when used as a windbreak and also helps with soil stabilization. Because it is able to grow at a moderate rate, it has also been used as site rehabilitation.
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.
Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acacia_victoriae
https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Acacia+victoriae
http://www.tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Acacia+victoriae
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