Where do they Occur?
Their habitat ranges from coastal to sub-alpine regions and from high rainfall to arid inland areas. Acacias also occur in Africa, South America and throughout other warm areas of the world.

Wattles as Garden Plants

Wattles make excellent garden plants. They range from prostrate and low-growing species to larger shrubs and shade trees. Most respond to pruning immediately after flowering and, if carried out regularly, pruning can extend the life of the plant. The main pests are stem borers which can be controlled by probing with flexible wire or by injecting a few ml of alcohol into the holes. Galls are often more difficult to control, but removing the effected branches can reduce the problem.

Propagation from seed is the most common method. Seeds are readily available and can be stored for many years. The very hard seed coat needs to be scarified (worn away) or softened before water can enter and germination can take place. Pouring boiling water over the seeds and leaving them to soak for 24 hours will usually soften them. The infertile seeds will float to the surface and should be discarded. Swollen seeds can be sown, the others can be re-treated.

Many species of Acacia can be grown from cuttings using firm new seasons growth. Cuttings from species with phyllodes are easier to strike than those with bipinnate leaves. Acacia bug (Eucerocoris tumidiceps) can cause damage to the foliage of wattles with phyllodes and is difficult to control. Treatment with a systemic insecticide may be required.

Wattles are a good source of pollen, some species are popular with bee-keepers. The seeds are also an important source of food for birds. Some wattle seeds also provided a food source for the Aborigines. Mostly they were ground into a flour and cooked like damper.