Shikakai (Acacia concinna)

Family: Fabaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Acacia concinna is a thorny spreading shrub or tree that can either be scandent or climb into other plants. Bark is light grey. Leaves are oblong 4-10mm long forming 7-11 pairs of branches each with 17-37 pairs of leaflets. Flower buds are purple or dark red. The flowers are cream or white. Pods up to 5cm long are flat and thick with 7 seeds. The seedpods are widely used as a soap substitute in India. Plants flower throughout the year.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Nuts/Seeds, Leaves, Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavoured young leaves can be used as a substitute for tamarinds (Tamarindus indica) in chutneys . — Edible portion: Seeds, Leaves, Flowers, Vegetable.; The acid-flavoured young leaves can be used as a substitute for tamarinds (Tamarindus indica) in chutneys.; They are also added to soups to make them hot and sour.; They can be curried with salted fish and coconut milk.

Habitat & North American Range

Rain forest, disturbed forest, open grassland, fields, creek sides, in open areas often a sprawling shrub; also recorded from limestone; at elevations from 50 - 1050 metres. (Zone 10)