What is Australia's national floral emblem?
Australia's national floral emblem is the golden wattle, Acacia pycnantha. It was officially proclaimed in 1988, the year of the nation's Bicentenary, and its colours inspire the green and gold.
The golden wattle is a small tree or large shrub native to southeastern Australia, especially South Australia, Victoria and southern New South Wales. In late winter and early spring, it produces masses of fragrant golden flower balls.
The green and gold of wattle leaves and flowers became Australia's national colours, proclaimed in 1984 and worn by national sporting teams.
Symbol of the nation
Wattle appears on the Commonwealth coat of arms and on the Order of Australia. A sprig of wattle is often worn on National Wattle Day, 1 September.
Its bark is rich in tannin, and in the nineteenth century golden wattle bark was harvested and exported for tanning leather. The tree also helps restore degraded land because its roots improve soil.
Golden wattle grows quickly but usually lives only a few decades. It is widely planted in gardens and along roadsides, and in some countries outside Australia it has become a weed. Its pollen is sometimes blamed for hay fever, but because it is heavy and sticky, it is not spread far by wind.
Did You Know?
A sprig of wattle has been used as a symbol of remembrance, and wattle is planted at many memorials.