Edible Wattle Seeds of SE Australia by Maslin et al
Quick review: An educative publication as you would expect from the CSIRO. Good identification guide to 47 species of edible wattle with an extended profile on A. victoriae and A. murrayana including seed collection methods and estimates on 1997 level usage in the industry. An essential book for anyone interested in growing wattleseed with discussion on plantation v wild harvest, production technique and harvest. Expensive for its 100 page paperback style but contains very specific information.
Good Points: Very focussed information, excellent identification guide, multiple color photos of every species including seeds, fairly well bound, good distribution maps for every species.
Not so Good Points: Expensive but the quality of information contained makes up for it.
Overall: Essential for growers or potential growers. Interesting background information for the rest of us.
From the back cover:
This book identifies 47 wattle species which have potential for cultivation in the southern semi arid region of Australia as a source of seed for human consumption.
18 species are regarded as having the greatest potential. Botanical profiles are provided for these species, together with information on the natural distribution, ecology, phenology, growth characteristics and seed attributes.
Two species, Acacia victoriae and Acacia murrayana appear particularly promising as the seeds of both these have good nutrutional characteristics and were commonly used as fod by Aborigines. Acacia victoriae is currently the most important wattle used in the Australian bushfood industry.
