Happy National Wattle Day

Did you know September 1^st was National Wattle Day?

Depending on the reference used, there are as many as 900 – 1000 species of wattle, the Acacia genus, even larger and more diverse than the eucalypts.

Gold Dust Wattle,  A.acinacia, a knee-high shrub that grows well in poor conditions.

The diversity of Australia’s wattle species is no better reflected than in our corner of the continent. Right now, many of our roadsides and bush patches are being lit up with bursts of brilliant yellow. Many of our Gippsland wattles will begin flowering through Winter, brightening the dreariest time of year.

 A.paradoxa, Kangaroo Thorn, Hedge Wattle or more realistically, ‘Bugger Bush’ – check out those spikes!

Wattles grow all over Australia. There are species of Acacia adapted to arid inland, wet rainforest and harsh coastal conditions. There are prostrate/ground-cover wattles, shrub varieties and tall trees – a wattle for everyone.

Spike Wattle, A.oxycedrus, cylindrical-shaped flowerheads.

All wattles are legumes. Like all the pea family, clover, beans, lentils, carob, peanuts and more, the roots of Acacias have nodules that contain Nitrogen ‘fixing’ bacteria that enables the plant to obtain Nitrogen directly from the air in the soil. As parts of the legume/wattle decomposes, the Nitrogen within it becomes available to other plants.

Sweet Wattle, A.suaveolens, a non-yellow wattle.

In 1988, the Golden Wattle, A.pycnantha was proclaimed the floral emblem of Australia and in 1992, September 1^st was declared National Wattle Day.

Golden Wattle, A.pycnantha, Australia’s floral emblem.

Happy Wattle Day to all readers.