|
Wattles are
easily recognised by their fluffy yellow flowers, and the
Golden Wattle Acacia pycnantha is the national floral
emblem of Australia. There are almost 1,000 Australian species
of wattle - or Acacia - and they are widespread and numerous. At
any one time of the year, somewhere in Australia, there will be
a species of wattle in flower. They occur in most habitats in
Australia and are also found in sub-humid and arid regions of
Africa, India and America.
Wattle wood had been used for building, furniture, tanning,
tools and weapons, and its seeds for medicine and as food.
Wattles also stabilise and improve the condition of soils by
adding nitrogen (converted from the air by a fungus living in
their roots). |
