Acacia cyclops - Red-Eyed Wattle

Red-eyed Wattle is a dieback-resistant species of Acacia. Tolerant of sea spray and saline soils, this species of wattle is found naturally in coastal heath or scrubland areas along the southwest coast of W.A and into South Australia. It is often grown to stabilise coastal sand dunes in these areas.

This plant’s twisted seed pods produce edible red-stalked seeds that were traditionally ground into flour to make bread. With its versatile nutty flavour, wattleseed can also be used as a coffee substitute and to enhance sweet and savoury dishes. Gum from the stem was also eaten, while the sticky juice from young seed pods were used for sunscreen, insect repellent and as a treatment for eczema.

This species bears clusters of golden yellow flowers, sometimes sparsely throughout the year but most prolifically through the warmer months. From October to January, the plant grows long, flat seed pods that twist as they open, revealing attractive red-ringed seeds that are ready to be consumed.

Red-eyed Wattle is a salt-resistant, drought-tolerant species that prefers an easily draining loamy or sandy soil. For best results, we recommend growing in full sun.

With growth frequently around 3m tall and 3m wide, this wattle is best kept in the ground as a tree or shrub.

Aboriginal name:

• Wilyawa (Noongar)

Grows to: 3 metres high x 3 metres wide

Light Required: 

• Full sun