"Wattle gum", a type of natural adhesive made from the sap of Australian acacia trees, is spelled using a common phonetic pattern. The "w" sound is followed by a "short a" vowel sound spelled with "a," and the "tt" spelling represents a "stop" of air made in the mouth. The "le" at the end of "wattle" is pronounced as a "schwa" sound, represented by the symbol "ə." Lastly, the "gum" portion of the word is pronounced with a "hard g" sound followed by a "short u" vowel sound spelled with "u."
Wattle gum refers to a type of natural resin or gum that is derived from various species of wattle trees, predominantly found in Australia. The term "wattle" is used to describe numerous shrubby or tree-like species within the family Fabaceae, subfamily Mimosoideae. Gum exudes from the bark and branches of these trees and is commonly collected for various purposes.
Wattle gum is typically amber or reddish-brown in color and possesses an adhesive and viscous consistency. It is known for its high content of soluble polysaccharides, mainly arabinogalactans, that contribute to its adhesive properties. The gum has been traditionally utilized by indigenous Australian peoples for its adhesive qualities in tool manufacturing, construction, and as a binder for pigments in bark painting.
In addition to its adhesive properties, wattle gum has also been employed for medicinal purposes. It contains various compounds with potential antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, making it valuable for treating ailments such as sore throat, coughs, and wounds. Moreover, the gum has been incorporated into certain food products due to its emulsifying and stabilizing properties.
With its diverse applications, wattle gum has gained recognition for its cultural, historical, and commercial significance. It remains a prominent substance in the traditions of indigenous Australians and continues to be sourced for various industrial and medicinal uses worldwide.
A g. resembling gum arabic from a species of Acacia growing in Australia.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.