ACACIA FLOWER

Acacia belongs mainly to the tropical and sub-tropical belts of the world, and it is cultivated for ornamental and economic purposes. Acacia is a plant of the large leguminous genus Acacia, and of the often thorny shrubs and trees of the family Leguminosae. The name 'acacia' was originally used for a thorny Egyptian tree. Botanically, acacia is classified in the division Magnoliophyta, class Magnoliopsida, order Rosales, family Leguminosae.

There are about 750 species of acacia found all over Australia, where this plant is commonly called 'wattles'. The use of this name appears to have originated in Australia with the first British settlers who would construct 'wattle and daub' buildings using the pliable branches of the black wattle. Australia’s national floral emblem is the golden wattle, Acacia pycnantha. Wattle Day is celebrated on the 1st of September to commemorate this national flower in the season it blossoms. Wattles are conspicuous in the landscape, particularly in the spring when the whole countryside may be glowing with various hues of yellow. Interestingly, significant meanings are attached to the yellow acacia. It is supposed to be a symbol of secret love. Acacia has a feathery foliage with many leaflets, though in some forms, leaf-like flattened stems that contain chlorophyll act in the stead of leaves. The flower heads vary in colour from purple to pale yellow and gold. There is another variety – the Rose acacia, of a pristine white hue, which speaks elegance and dignity.

Acacia has religious connotations as well. In the Bible, the wood of the shittam tree is thought to be an acacia from which were made the Ark of the Covenant and furniture of the Tabernacle. The Revised Version of the Bible calls it acacia wood. In the Hebraic version, the flower is quite evident. “They shall make an Ark of shittiim wood...You shall cover it with pure gold...and you shall make on it a gold crown all around.”

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