National Wattle Day

Pictured is one of several wattles in my garden.

The first of September in Australia is National Wattle Day, which was first officially declared as such in 1992. In 1988 the Golden Wattle (Acacia pycnantha) was officially gazetted as Australia's national floral emblem. Wattle welcomes the spring. It is diverse - there are currently about 950 species, with yet to be identified species expected to bring this number closer to 1,000. Wattle is very resilient, it is among the first plants to regenerate after fire. 98-99% of wattle species are endemic to Australia.

Wattle (Acacia) was made a background feature on the Australian coat of arms in 1913. Common names for different species of wattle often describe the appearance or smell of the bark or foliage.

On 1 September 1910 the Sydney Morning Herald stated:
"To many Australians the wattle stands for home, country, kindred, sunshine and love every instinct that the heart most deeply enshrines."

Wattles have been commonly used by indigenous Australians for a broad range of purposes such as food, medicine, utensils, weapons, musical instruments, firewood, ash, glues, string, dyes, waterproofing, sandals, head decorations, ceremonial items and seasonal signals.

Info from: Wattle Day Association website.