[medit-plants] Acacias

This blooming specimen (see attached) of Acacia longifolia stopped me in my tracks the other day - formerly (a few decades ago) one of the most commonly planted species of this genus in our area, now rarely seen.  I understand this species is prized in Australia.  It caused me to reflect on this passage I had just read:

"With every fresh onslaught of bloom we are captured but never astonished. We had known all the time that it was there, ready with its insignificant buds unseen overhead until they burst against the warm blue sky. Then we stare with inexpressible delight. No matter how common it becomes we will never take the acacia for a common tree. In the light gold of refinement of its flowering we have a total experience. With its weightless mass of glimmering bloom it wipes us out."
Hildegarde Flanner, speaking of Acacias in 'At The Gentle Mercy of Plants'
(http://survivorbb.rapeutation.com/viewtopic.php?f=89&t=2350#p15671)

I have also been thinking of an Acacia I saw on the FB mediterranean climate gardening group, growing in the garden of Barry Garcia (see attached).  It is A. baileyana, but the new growth comes out chartreuse!  I think it is quite beautiful and have a vague memory that I may have read about such a form sometime in the past (can't find such a reference as yet).

Both of these show that even what is considered commonplace can surprise us.

Attachment: Acacia.longifolia.jpg
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Attachment: Acacia.baileyana_BarryGarcia.jpg
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