wattles

Wattles is a term that has two principal meanings in English: anatomical wattles on birds and the group of plants known as wattles, primarily Australian Acacia species.

In birds, wattles are fleshy, often pendulous folds of skin, usually located on the head or neck. They vary by species and sex; in many poultry breeds, males have larger, more brightly colored wattles. Wattles function in courtship and social signaling and may aid in thermoregulation by increasing surface area for heat exchange. They are vascular and can darken or redden with blood flow; injuries or diseases can affect them.

In Australian usage, wattles refers to many species of Acacia, and to a broader group of shrubs and trees commonly called wattles. These plants are typically evergreen with phyllodes instead of true leaves, and produce clusters of yellow flowers that bloom in late winter to spring. They are ecologically important in Australian savannas, fixing nitrogen and providing food for insects and animals. Some wattles are cultivated for timber, tannins, gum, or ornamental use.

The golden wattle, Acacia pycnantha, is the national floral emblem of Australia and features prominently in national symbols and celebrations. Wattles are widespread in cultivation and in the wild, reflecting both ecological roles in their native ranges and their cultural significance in Australia.