AUSTRALIAN DRY-ZONE ACACIAS FOR HUMAN FOOD

Proceedings of a Workshop on the above subject, held in August 1991 at Glen Helen, Australia, have recently been published by the Australian Tree Seed Centre. Australia's unique and diverse woody flora has over the recent years become socially, economically and environmentally important in many other countries. The seed of some of the Australian Acacia species widely used in dry areas i a. West Africa, have traditionally been a part of the diet of Australia's aboriginal people. The green seed pods of some species can be eaten raw or alternatively the pod can be cooked in ashes. The dry seed may be ground to flour, mixed with water and eaten as a paste or baked to form a cake. In some areas of Africa tree seeds have frequently been used as food during periods of famine. It has become obvious that tree planting and selection and breeding programmes aimed at non-wood products is of great social importance. The Proceedings of the Workshop describe some experiences in this regard, including case studies i.a. from Zimbabwe. The Proceedings can be ordered from CSIRO/DFR, P.O.Box 4008, Canberra A.C.T. 2600, Australia.