There's a great deal of conversation about sustainability in harvesting the relevant plants, but it seems there are precious few threads and teks about using phyllodes and leaf material in either extractions or brews. If folks are serious about sustainability and protecting these plants, particularly some of the more rare acacias then questions like the OP here need more attention from the more learned amungst the community.
I believe that the honeymoon with mail order MHRB and STB's are well on their way to the 'good old days', if not now then it's probably a matter of time. Bark and roots are not ultimately sustainable in light of the growing interest and I'm sure some of you have seen the photos of what happens when this kind of harvesting goes unchecked.
Folks that are determined and dedicated enough to choose to grow these typically tropical/subtropical plants in temperate climates usually end up bringing them in for winter, which usually results in a significant foliage drop. Since these aren't deciduous plants, assumably they don't go through the same process for dropping their foliage, but is there a technique for harvesting (or curing) them which would favor or hinder potency? Should they be harvested before they turn yellow or drop? Is there some enzymatic process that would necessitate freezing them or drying rapidly/slowly?
It may sound extremist, but as a plant fanatic, this whole root bark thing really bothers me and it would be nice to see some more emphasis on alternatives... foliage sounds promising but acuminata can't be the only (sustainable) hope and there just doesn't seem to be a great deal of data on phyllodes and leaves in terms of tryptamine content. I've seen conflicting information on even Mimosa and D. illinoensis aerial parts from worthless to 'it's all good' for example, maybe I've just not hit the right threads yet, but it really would be nice to see folks getting away from roots and bark, it's hell on the plants and ultimately our karma IMO.
