Melbourne Arts Precinct , Victoria, Australia — Oceania
The Wattle
| | Royal Botanic Gardens - Melbourne | |
Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, May 23, 2026
1. The Wattle Marker
Wattle is a common name for acacias. Acacias are the second most widespread plants in Australia after the eucalypts.
Acacias often dominate in areas of low rainfall and poor soils. Many are well known for their vibrant yellow or golden flowers.
There are about 955 species of acacia in Australia. They display great diversity of form. Some are small creeping plants, while others are 30 metre tall trees.
Traditionally the acacias were a highly utilised food source for Aborigines. The seeds were ground to make cakes. Witchetty grubs, a delicious treat, were found under the bark or amongst the roots of acacias.
Early British settlers also utilised the trees. When living in the bush, some built huts using an old construction method known as 'wattle and daub'. They wove acacia branches onto a frame over which mud was applied. This is how the acacia became known as wattle.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Settlements & Settlers.
Location. 37° 49.947′ S, 144° 58.734′ E.
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Regionally, it is in Oceania, Australasia, the Pacific Ocean, South Pacific, the Pacific Rim, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: E Gate Lodge (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); Herbarium Discovery Walk (about 210 meters away); Unwelcome Strangers (approx. 0.2 kilometers away); Discovery: more common than you expect (approx. 0.2 kilometers away); Travel through time (approx. 0.2 kilometers away); Baron Ferdinand von Mueller K.C.M.G (approx. 0.2 kilometers away); Director's Residence Royal Botanic Gardens (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Domain Road Gate (approx. 0.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Melbourne.
Also see . . . Wattles - genus Acacia.
Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, May 23, 2026
2. The Wattle Marker beside the path
The genus Acacia belongs to the family Mimosaceae. There are some 1350 species of Acacia found throughout the world and close to 1000 of these are to be found in Australia. Commonly known as Wattle, Acacia is the largest genus of vascular plants in Australia. Australia's national floral emblem is Acacia pycnantha, the Golden Wattle. Wattle Day is celebrated on the 1st of September each year.(Submitted on June 4, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 5, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 4, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. This page has been viewed 7 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 4, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
