We acknowledge the Yawuru people,
the traditional owners and
custodians of the land on which
we work and learn together.

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Spear Wattle

Acacia Tumida or Wongai

Djarbayi or Wanggay Bardi
Wanggayi   Yawuru

Flowering and Fruiting: Seeds Barrgana to Wirlburu between September and October

Wattleseed loaf. Traditionally, dampers were cooked on hot rocks and were much smaller and flatter. (image source: creative commons).

Wongai is a common fast-growing wattle that is the dominant species on the Dampier Peninsula and can form dense thickets. It is a very hardy tree and its range extends from the Kimberley, Pilbara and north eastern Goldfields regions, including much of the Great Sandy Desert. It also extends into the Victoria River district of the Northern Territory. It grows well in sandplain areas in red sandy or pindan soils over sandstone.They often form dense thickets with spinifex.

Wongai grow to a height of 5 to 15 metres with a well developed canopy.  When it flowers in the dry season, the air is heavily scented with a sweet perfume. The bright yellow pollen, can cause hay fever. It has hard grey glossy bark that is occasionally fissured, and when young, its trunk is used ot make spears and boomerangs.  Other traditional uses include making string from the bark and using the gum exudate as a food source.

For more information: “Broome and Beyond; Plants and people of the Dampier Peninsula, Kimberley, Western Australia”  full reference page 134.