Acacia comes from the ancient Greek word Akaia which means a species which has spines – a genus of approximately 50, mostly evergreen species, with a few trees and shrubs that are deciduous, from Africa, Asia and Australia.
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Wattles were named by the first settlers who used the stems of some varieties for wattle and daub huts.
Acacias vary greatly in their habit of growth, the largest being Acacia melanoxylon which in Tasmania grows to about 30 metres in height and is commonly known as the Tasmanian blackwood.
Others are dwarf ,some growing no more than 120cm high. Their period of flowering is mostly between autumn and Christmas, while others can bloom the whole year round. In the Sydney bush, at least one species - the Cootamundra - can be found blooming at any time of the year.
All acacias are relatively short-lived with a life span of 15-20 years, but if a tree grows to 6 meters in three years, the short life is more acceptable. Acacias are susceptible to borers and should be checked regularly and treated if found; most nurseries would carry borer kits for this purpose.
Despite enjoying only a short life, they are worth growing for their beauty and speed of maturity.
Pruning can be used to open the inside of the wattle branches to air and help prevent damage from wind. Thin out by removing branches entirely to the trunk.
Many acacias become chloratic (the leaves turn yellow) where water is bad and salts accumulate. Many other plants are also subject to this.
Wattles grow well in our local region and the Cootamundra wattle (Acacia baileyana) is among the best with a prolific growth of yellow flowers. The purple Cootamundra does not have as brilliant a yellow flower but a beautiful purple leaf that adorns the tree year round.
The Queensland wattle boasts a vivid yellow flower. Acacia mollisima (the black wattle) has a dark green compound leaf which is very vigorous.
Acacia longifolia (the sally wattle) also grows well and, while mainly a coastal plant, it's habitat does extend to the tablelands. Acacia spectabillis (the Mudgee wattle) is a smaller, but well-known, wattle.
Propagation is achieved from seed which is hard-coated and is capable of maintaining its viability for long periods, even as much as 50 years. The seed should be immersed in near boiling water for an hour then left for 12-48 hours; the seed should be sown while wet.
If wattles are included in your garden, you can admire one of nature's harbingers of spring.
Until next month.
