The appearance of wattle flowers seems to cheer up the Australian landscape.... apparently it's true that somewhere in Australia at any time of the year, one species of wattle is in bloom. That's probably not a surprise if you consider there are at least 1000 species of wattle native to Australia, adapted to flowering in all seasons, in all climate zones. The word "wattle' often refers to the framework of interwoven sticks or branches. The early settlers' "wattle and daub" houses - composite buildings of wood and mud are today highly considered as a sustainable alternative to less eco- friendly building techniques. Long before British settlement, indigenous Australians had discovered the many uses of the Acacia (wattle species ) - food, medicine, utensils, weapons, musical instruments, and ceremonial decoration. While Masterchef has introduced many of us to recipes using wattle seed, the Australian Aborigines prepared and ate wattle seed in many
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