Scientific name: Acacia cyclops

Aboriginal uses:

• Each black seed of the red eyed wattle is surrounded by a blood red seed stalk giving it the appearance of a bloodshot eye.


• The scientific name refers to Cyclops, the mythical one eyed giant of Greek legend.


• Aboriginal people collected the hard black seeds and ground them to produce a chalky white powder, which was mixed with water and baked into cakes.


• Many insect larvae (bardi grubs) burrow into the stems, leaving a characteristic hole with a residue of sawdust that provides a clue to their presence. These grubs were a nutritious and sought after food.


• A gum exuded from the stem is also edible.