Acacia dealbata (also known as the Silver Wattle or Mimosa)
Once again, I've chosen an evergreen. Found on Murray Road towards Ridgway, this native to New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania is a fine example with a beautiful shape. The shoots are noticeably angular in section and bear true, bipinnate, blue green leaves. It is not hard to see why the foliage is often included in cut flower arrangements with it's attractively fern-like leaves. The highly fragrant, and velvety looking flowers, are borne in spring, with spherical clusters of conspicuous yellow stamens. Although they do seem to be earlier this year.
Acacia dealbata is tolerant of several degrees of frost and it has been known to survive at -10ºC for short periods. So this tree benefits from it's Southerly aspect. However, young plants are susceptible to cold Winter winds.
The cut Mimosa flowers are harvested and given to women on International Women's Day in Italy, Albania, Russia and Georgia. While in India, they use the essence of the flowers in perfumes.
