Acacia baileyana
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| Acacia baileyana F.Muell. |
The Cootamundra Wattle (syn. Acacia baileyana F.Muell. var. aurea Pescott, Acacia baileyana F.Muell. var. purpurea F.Muell., Racosperma baileyanum (F.Muell.) Pedley) commonly known as Wattle is a shrub or tree in the Family Fabaceae. The species is named in honor of the botanist Frederick Manson Bailey and is but one of nearly 1000 species of Acacia found in Australia. The Cootamundra Wattle is indigenous to a small area in southern New South Wales but has been widely planted in other Australian states. In many areas of Victoria Cootamundra Wattle has become naturalised and is regarded as weed, outcompeting indigenous Victorian species.
Almost all wattles have cream to golden flowers. The small flowers are arranged in spherical to cylindrical inflorescences, with only the stamens prominent. Wattles have been extensively introduced into New Zealand and are regarded by many New Zealanders as one of the most typical features of their home landscape.
[edit] Cultivation
This plant is adaptable and easy to grow. Unfortunately it has an ability to naturalize (i.e. escape) into surrounding bushland. Also, it hybridizes with some other wattles, notably the rare and endangered Sydney basin species Acacia pubescens.
A prostrate weeping form is in cultivation. The fine foliage of the original Cootamundra wattle is grey-green, but a blue-purple foliaged form, known as 'Purpurea' is very popular.
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