Cootamundra wattle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cootamundra wattle |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Acacia
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| Species: |
baileyana
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| Range of Acacia baileyana | |
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The Cootamundra Wattle is a beautiful Australian shrub or small tree. It belongs to the pea family, called Fabaceae. Its scientific name, Acacia baileyana, honors a plant expert named Frederick Manson Bailey. This wattle is one of almost 1000 types of Acacia trees found in Australia.
Originally, the Cootamundra Wattle grew only in a small part of southern New South Wales, close to the town of Cootamundra. However, people have planted it widely across Australia. In some areas of Victoria, it has grown so much that it acts like a weed. It can sometimes take over from other acacia plants that naturally grow there.
Most wattle plants have creamy to golden-colored flowers. These small flowers grow in round or tube-shaped groups. Only the stamens, which are the male parts of the flower, stick out. Many wattles, including the Cootamundra Wattle, have also been planted in New Zealand.
Contents
How People Use Cootamundra Wattle
The Cootamundra Wattle is used in different ways.
Cut Flowers
In Europe, Acacia baileyana is grown for the cut flower industry. This means its branches with flowers are picked and sold to make pretty bouquets.
Bee Food
The flowers are also a good source of food for bees. Bees collect nectar from the flowers to make honey.
Growing Cootamundra Wattle
This plant is quite easy to grow and can adapt to many different places.
Easy to Grow, Easy to Spread
One thing to know is that it produces many seeds. These seeds can easily grow into new plants in the surrounding area. This is why it can sometimes spread too much and become a problem.
Mixing with Other Plants
The Cootamundra Wattle can also cross-breed with other acacia plants. This means it can mix its genes with them. For example, it can cross-breed with the rare and endangered Acacia pubescens from Sydney.
Different Types of Wattle
The original Cootamundra Wattle has fine, grey-green leaves. But there are also special types being grown. One popular type has blue-purple leaves and is called 'Purpurea'. Another type grows low to the ground and has a weeping shape.
Gallery
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A wattle in Australia.
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A. baileyana seeds
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A. baileyana low, weeping type being grown at the Illawarra Grevillea Park, Bulli, NSW
Images for kids
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Profile of a Cootamundra wattle in Canberra, ACT
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Leaf and blossom
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Fine detail of leaf
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Leaf with fingers for scale
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Street tree, Los Angeles, CA
See also
In Spanish: Acacia mimosa para niños
