Recently, I travelled to the Granite Belt for a long weekend of birding and looking at wildflowers.
Many plant species were flowering; however, it was the wattle species that seemed too dominant the bush with their yellow colour.
There are approximately 60 species of wattles which can be seen in the Granite Belt region of Southern Queensland.
The area that I spent most of time was Girraween National Park.
Wattle species are not easy to tell apart and it requires a certain level of expertise to become competent to them all apart.
There are four to five species of wattles which I find have distinctive features which set them apart from all the rest.
The easiest species to identify in my opinion is Prickly Moses (Acacia ulicifolia). This hardy species can flower all year round.
The Granite wattle (Acacia granitica) is a species that grows low along the ground in creekline areas. It’s leaf formation and flower placement are easy to recognise.
Another species which is prolific in Girraween National Park is the Wallangarra wattle. This species is usually a tall shrub with long slender leaves and pom-pom clusters of yellow flowers.
Another wattle species which I have found easy to identify is Acacia latisepala. It’s red stems, distinctive leaves and yellow pom-pom flowers make it stand out.
The month of August is very much the time to be out identifying wattles.
As mentioned, Girraween National Park is a wonderful place to start if you are interested.
However, closer to home on the coast, wattles have also been flowering throughout August.
I find with any plant identification, when the plant is flowering is the easiest time to tell them from anything else.
Wattles are not easy to identify but it can be very satisfying to feel like you are starting to master the art!
