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Acacia dealbata: Silver wattle
The branches of the silver wattle, with their intensely fragrant pale yellow or golden
flower clusters are often falsely billed as „mimosas“. Most sold in Germany come from
southern Europe, where the evergreen is planted as an ornamental, for the florists‘
trade, and for its use in making perfume. The silver wattle is an Acacia
species that is cultivated in many regions of the world. As fast-growing plant with
few ecological requirements, it can invade into the natural vegetation, displacing
native species.
The natural distribution of Acacia dealbata is restricted to southeastern
Australia and Tasmania. It has easily recognizable bipinnate leaves, composed of lots
of linear leaflets. The leaves are covered with fine, white hairs, giving them a
slivery appearance. This indumentum reflects sunlight, keeping the leaves cool and
reducing water – a major advantage in a hot, dry environment. The large inflorescences
are composed of 30 to 40 tiny flower heads whose impressive effect results from their
many long-filamented stamens.
With more than 700 native species, Acacia is the most species-rich plant genus
of Australia. Worldwide, more than 1,000 representatives of this genus are known,
growing also in Africa, Asia, and Central and South America.
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Acacia dealbata: Silver wattle (MP3, 622 KB)
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