Acacia Sophorae - Coastal Wattle

A fast growing large shrub, can sometimes be prostrate especially in coastal areas, and can adapt to a variety of soils - including nutritionally poor soils. It has fodder value in its leaves and pods which are produced in winter - the pods are usually produced at a time when grazing is at its lowest. It is however considered a weed in some parts of the country. Seeds from Acacia Sophorae were traditionally eaten in various ways. Green pods were roasted on the fire and the green seeds eaten like peas. The dried seeds could be ground into a flour. 

Height: 0.5-3 metres

Width: up to 10 metres

Uses: fodder, screening, coastal stabilisation, edible

Ideal growing conditions: well drained sandy loams

Tolerates: drought, floods, varied soil types

Drought hardy: yes

Frosts: moderate frosts

Salinity: salt tolerant