Acacia pycnantha gum exudates recognised as a traditional food in two countries may have economic potential

Abstract

_Acacia pycnantha _is a native tree growing in the southern regions of Australia, particularly South Australia. The tree trunk and branches exude gum, which is most prolific around April (autumn) and can be removed by simply pulling off or cutting, yielding about 10g/tree/year. Approximately 40% of trees have gum available with about 1%, usually mature trees, having significant amounts. Food Standards Australia and New Zealand has recently formed a view that _Acacia pycnantha _gum can be recognised as a traditional food for consumption up to 30g/day in these countries. The economic potential of _Acacia pycnantha_ gum as a food, additive or for other uses, requires further research into increasing the yield/tree and creating demand.