The Wattle Quiz

Are you ready to do the Wattle Quiz ?

The answers are at the bottom of the quiz. If you scored less than ten out of ten, then come on a free guided Wattle Walk any morning at 11:00 during the first week of September. And whatever your score, you will find out many more interesting facts and see most of the species that are referred to in the answers below.

1. When do Wattles flower ?
2. Where in Australia are Wattles found ?
3. What is the botanical name for Wattles and what does it mean ?
4. What is the plant that features on the Australian coat of arms ?
5. What is the name of the Man from Eaglehawk who drove his bicycle into the scrub ?
6. Where would you expect to find witchetty grubs ?
7. Why do some Wattles have hard grey phyllodes (like the leaf of a Eucalypt) and some have softer green, compound leaves (like the leaves of a jacaranda) ?
8. The Golden Wattle was embroidered on a garment in 1953. What garment was this ?
9. What is Blackwood used for ?
10. Do wattles cause hay fever ?

Answers

1. There is a wattle in flower somewhere in Australia on every day of the year. However, many of them flower in spring. September is a good time to go on a Wattle Walk.
2. Wattles are found in every state and territory, from rainforests to deserts. They are the dominant species in the arid areas of Australia. On your Wattle Walk, you will see wattles from every state and territory.
3. Wattles belong to the genus Acacia. The name comes from the Greek word ‘akis’, meaning spear or thorn, as the first Acacia described was the very thorny African Acacia nilotica.
4. Probably Acacia pycnantha (Golden Wattle.)
5. Mulga Bill.
6. Among the woody stems and roots of the Witchetty Bush (Acacia kempeana) and some other Acacias. 
7. This is an adaptation for arid climates. A phyllode is not a leaf but is a flattened leaf stalk. If you go on a walk with a guide, you will find out all about phyllodes and other adaptations for Australia’s arid inland.
8. The dress worn by Queen Elizabeth II for her coronation.
9. Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon) is a very attractive timber used for furniture, musical instruments and many other purposes.
10. Wattle pollen is an infrequent cause of hay fever symptoms, but once someone has been sensitised, it can be very distressing. The pollen is heavy and is not distributed on the wind. A few people are allergic to the perfume in some Wattles. Grass seeds are the main culprits in spring.