Common Name:
manna wattle
Family Name:
Fabaceae
Botanical Name:
Acacia microbotrya
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
Acacia microbotrya is a fast-growing evergreen shrub or small tree native to southwestern Western Australia, typically ranging from 2 to 7 meters in height, though specimens may reach up to 7 meters (4, 5). It can be single-stemmed or form multiple trunks from the base and often suckers, forming dense thickets (5). Mature plants lack true leaves and instead have flat, leaf-like phyllodes (5). The plant bears dense cylindrical yellow flower spikes in winter and early spring (1), followed by narrow, elongated seed pods up to 15-20 cm long, containing black, oblong to elliptic seeds (1, 5). These pods ripen between March and August (4).
Compound:
Aca mic
Geographic Origin:
Australia
Ecozone Origin:
Australsia
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
Acacia microbotrya is endemic to the Wheatbelt and Goldfields–Esperance regions of southwestern Western Australia (4, 5). It inhabits a range of soils, especially clay and sandy loams, and thrives in Mediterranean climates with hot dry summers and cool, moist winters (2, 5). This species belongs to a complex group of 43 closely related Acacias native to Australia, with variable traits and unresolved taxonomy that may lead to further species distinction in the future (5). Phylogenetically, it is closely related to Acacia amblyophylla and Acacia jennerae, and resembles Acacia galeata (5). The species was historically described under multiple names, including Acacia daphnifolia and Acacia myriobotrya (5).
Cultivation Notes:
Manna Wattle is well suited to warm, temperate to semi-arid regions and can tolerate moderate frosts down to -5°C (5). It prefers full sun and grows best in well-drained, moderately acidic to neutral soils (pH 5.5-7.0), but tolerates saline conditions (5). It is a hardy, drought-tolerant species once established, with rainfall tolerances ranging from 320-625 mm/year (5). Plants may be propagated by seed, which requires scarification (either by hot water treatment or nicking the seed coat) to improve germination (5). Germinated seedlings should be grown in containers and planted out after the final frost in spring. Seeds can remain viable for 5-10 years when properly stored (5). The plant coppices well and responds vigorously to pruning (5).
Ethnobotany:
Manna Wattle seeds and gum have been used for thousands of years by Indigenous Noongar people as staple foods (4). The seeds were ground into flour using a Yandi dish and mixed with water to create cakes that were baked in ashes (4). Roasting alters their flavor to resemble hazelnut or mocha, suitable for use in biscuits and desserts (4). The gum exuded from the trunk is sweet and edible, traditionally stored in hollow trees and consumed during the winter (5). Medicinally, the bark’s astringent tannins were used to treat diarrhea, wounds, and hemorrhoids both externally and internally (5). The bark also yields high-quality tannins used in leatherwork, and the gum may be comparable to commercial gum arabic (5).
Height:
16 - 20 feet
Width:
11 - 15 feet
Growth Rate:
Fast Growing
Grow Season:
ForeSummer
Flower Season:
Spring
Color:
Yellow
Function:
Shade
Spread:
Spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Hardy
Water Use:
Low water Use
