Contents
Description
Acacia Floribunda, commonly known as gossamer wattle, is a small to medium-sized tree that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is native to eastern Australia and is widely cultivated in other parts of the world due to its attractive appearance and hardiness. The tree produces bright yellow flowers in winter and early spring, which are followed by long, thin seed pods.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Acacia |
Appearance
The gossamer wattle can grow up to 10 meters tall and has a spreading habit with a dense canopy. The leaves are dark green and feathery, with multiple small leaflets. The flowers are bright yellow and occur in clusters, giving the tree a stunning appearance. The seed pods are long and thin, up to 10 centimeters in length.
Care Guide
Gossamer wattle is a relatively low-maintenance tree and is easy to grow in a variety of conditions. Here are some tips for taking care of your Acacia Floribunda:
- Water: Water the tree regularly, especially during the hot and dry summer months. However, make sure not to overwater as this can lead to root rot.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the tree once a year with a slow-release fertilizer to promote healthy growth and blooming.
- Soil: The gossamer wattle prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. If the soil is too alkaline, you can add sulfur to lower the pH.
- Sunlight: The tree prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Gossamer wattle is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The gossamer wattle is generally free from serious pests and diseases, but it can be affected by the following:
- Aphids: These tiny insects can suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to wilt and turn yellow. Use insecticidal soap to control the infestation.
- Root Rot: Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can be fatal to the tree. Make sure to water the tree only when the top inch of soil is dry.
Habitat
Acacia Floribunda is native to eastern Australia and is commonly found in woodland areas and along watercourses. It is also widely cultivated in gardens and parks in other parts of the world due to its attractive appearance and hardiness.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Acacia Floribunda suitable for small gardens?
A: Yes, it is suitable for small gardens as it has a compact habit and can be pruned to maintain its size.
Q: How often should I fertilize my gossamer wattle?
A: Fertilize the tree once a year with a slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
Q: Can gossamer wattle grow in containers?
A: Yes, it can grow in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: How long does it take for gossamer wattle to flower?
A: The tree usually starts to flower in its second or third year of growth.
Related Plants
- Acacia dealbata (Silver Wattle)
- Acacia podalyriifolia (Queensland Silver Wattle)
- Acacia baileyana (Cootamundra Wattle)
References
- Florabank. (n.d.). Acacia floribunda. Retrieved from https://www.florabank.org.au/lucid/key/species%20navigator/media/html/Acacia_floribunda.htm
- Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. (n.d.). Acacia floribunda. Retrieved from https://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/RoyalBotanicGarden/media/RBG/Science/Cryptogamic-Botany/Volume-38-(1)/RBG_38(1)_Hartley-and-Mitchell-Acacia-floribunda.pdf
