Wattles are a good source of pollen, some species are popular with bee-keepers. The seeds are also an important source of food for birds. Some wattle seeds also provided a food source for the Aborigines. Mostly they were ground into a flour and cooked like damper. Propagation Propagation from seed is the most common method.
Seeds are readily available and can be stored for many years.
Pouring boiling water over the seeds and leaving them to soak for 24 hours will usually soften them. The infertile seeds will float to the surface and should be discarded. Swollen seeds can be sown, the others can be re-treated. Many species of Acacia can be grown from cuttings using firm new seasons growth. Cuttings from species with phyllodes are easier to strike than those with bipinnate leaves.