The Golden Waffle, scientifically called Acacia pycnanth, is the national flower of Australia, and it is used as a symbol of unity. You can find it on the emblem of the Order of Australia, and on various different postal stamps.
It has ball-shaped golden flowers that make it look divine and magical. In Australia, it has a medium shrub or small tree status. However, it is considered a weed in some other countries where it grows.
Here are some interesting facts about Australia’s national flower that you must know…
History
The Golden Waffle was discovered in 1842 by Thomas Mitchell, who was an explorer of Southeastern Australia. Then, George Bentham wrote the species description of the Golden Waffle the very same year. So far, no sub-species of this flower have been discovered.
Many people grow its tree just for its beautiful appearance. However, some grow it to get tannin chemicals from its bark. Tannin is used for transforming animal hides into leather.
The Golden Waffle was declared the national flower of Australia in 1988. The colour (gold and green) of Waffle flowers and their stalks are also considered the national colours of Australia.
Symbolically it represents unity. Many people grow it in their homes to show unity and their national pride. National Waffle Day is celebrated each year on September first. Australians have been celebrating this day long before declaring Golden Waffle their national flower. When there is a national crisis or grieving, they wear Waffle flower floral springs as a sign of national unity and harmony.
General Information about Australia’s National Flower
The Golden Waffle shrub belongs to the Fabaceae family, and its height can reach upwards of 25 feet. Its stalks are flattened, due to which they are referred to as phyllodes, and it does not have true leaves. These phyllodes can be 3.5 to 9 inches long.
Waffle flowers have a beautiful appearance and odour, due to which people like growing them in their gardens. They bloom at the end of winter, or the start of summer. The buds appear throughout the year on the tips of new growth. However, only those that grow between November and May change into flowers several months later. Different species of thornbill and honeyeater cross-pollinate waffle flowers.
The bark of the Waffle flower tree appears dark brown, and has a smooth surface if the plant is young. The surface becomes rough as the plant grows old.
Buying Golden Waffle Flowers
Waffle flowers are not commonly used in bouquets, but they still hold value in Australia, due to which you can easily find them in flower shops.
For more information about Golden Waffle flowers, check out https://www.cutflowers.net.au/learn-about-australias-national-flower/.