Acacia's are called "wattles" in Australia and "acacias" in Africa and the Americas.

About 1300 species of Acacia abound worldwide, with about 950 of them being native to Australia. The Golden Wattle features prominently on the Australian coat of arms.

The ancient Egyptians used acacias as a fixative for ink and coat the wrappings of mummies. Acacia was also used medicinally for its soothing effects on inflamed mucous membranes and for both cough and catarrh.