Acacia pycnantha
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| Acacia pycnantha Benth. |
Golden Wattle (Acacia pycnantha) is Australia's floral emblem. It is a small tree, ranging from 4 to 8 metres tall. The mature trees do not have true leaves but have long (6 to 20 cm), sickle-shaped, photosynthetic stalks called phyllodes. The trees flower in spring (generally September) producing fragrant fluffy golden flowers.
[edit] Coverage
Golden Wattle grows natively in temperate climates such as New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria and South Australia. It usually grows in the understory of forests and woodlands or in open scrub formation.[1] It regenerates well after fire as it stimulates the germination of seeds stored in the soil if rain follows soon after.
[edit] History
Golden Wattle can be found on many symbols of Australia including the Australian Coat of Arms and the Order of Australia medal. The green and gold colours are often used in Australian international sporting teams.
The flower has been used as Australia's national emblem since early in the 20th century but was not made the official national floral emblem until 1988, the year of Australia's bicentenary. The 1st of September is "National Wattle Day" in Australia.
[edit] References
- Boden, Anne (1985). Golden Wattle: Floral Emblem of Australia (http). Australian National Botanic Gardens. Retrieved on 10 January, 2006.
