Acacia acuminata ( Raspberry Jam Wattle ) is an evergreen shrub or small tree that is native to Western Australia. It is called the Raspberry Jam Wattle due to the distinct aroma of its timber. With handsome yellow flowers it has become a popular hedge or tree line species in modern times and the tree has some basic medicinal benefits and edible parts.
Suitable for Temperate, Dry, Semi-Arid and Sub-Tropical climates.
The timber quality of Raspberry Jam Wattle is renowned for its versatility. It is commonly used in cabinetry, smoking pipes, boomerangs, furniture, staircases and is an excellent source of firewood. But the timbers’ major purpose is fence posts, where it is more durable than most and is highly sought after for its longevity.
Raspberry Jam Wattle is also known as Raspberry Jam Tree, Jam Tree, Fine Leaf Jam and by the Noongar people as Manjart or Mungat.
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Growth
Acacia acuminata is a native tree that grows to a maximum height of up to 10 metres (32 feet) and a maximum width of roughly 5 metres (16 feet). Like most Acacia species, it has phyllodes rather than traditional leaves and these bright green phyllodes grow to around 10cm (4 inches) long and 1cm (less than half an inch) wide and finish with a long point.
A fast-growing tree, the Raspberry Jam Wattle can begin flowering in 2-3 years. Flowers bloom from late winter into spring, are lemon yellow in colour and hold tight in cylindrical clusters that are about 2cm (under an inch) in diameter. Seed pods follow in the Summer, which can be harvested from the tree or collected off the ground.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Fabaceae
CLIMATE:
Cool Temperate, Temperate, Sub Tropical & Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-7°C to 45°C / 19 to 112°F
SOIL TYPE:
Is tolerant of most types of soil as long as it drains.
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Part Shade
HEIGHT:
Up to 10 metres (32 feet) but more commonly 5 metres (16 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 5 metres (16 feet) but more commonly 3 metres (10 feet)
pH:
5.0-6.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Evergreen, Perennial.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by Birds
MATURITY:
2-3 years
GERMINATION RATES:
85-90%
GERMINATION TIME:
2-4 weeks
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Reasonably Easy.
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 50 seeds
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes
EDIBLE:
Seeds, resin.
SEED STORGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 2 years.
FACTS ABOUT ACACIA ACUMINATA ( Raspberry Jam Wattle )
Acacia acuminata was a species used for a wide variety of reasons by the Nyungar people such as for wood, food, and medicine so they viewed the tree as a valuable resource. With so many seeds produced, they were used to make a flour substitute. Being from the pea family, the seeds contain 45% protein, 28% fats and 15% carbohydrates making them quite nutritionally dense. The orange resin (gum) is edible and can also be used to make tea.
Raspberry Wattle Jam trees were a large part of the expansion of Western Australia as between 1954-1968 around 2.7 million fence posts were produced. During petrol rationing midway through the 20th century, the trees timber was used to burn charcoal and to help keep motor vehicles running.
Acacia acuminata is a highly sought after species by DMT enthusiasts for its relatively high content in the bark and leaves. Apparently, the psychedelic and illegal substance is extracted from this species’ bark (up to 1.6%) and the leaves (between 0.6-1%). Some suggest it is one of the most popular species of plants to grow.
