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There are more than 1,080 species of Acacia, mostly native to Australia. They occur naturally in all Australian states and territories and on nearby islands. Acacia, also known as wattle, are present in all terrestrial habitats, including alpine settings, rainforests, woodlands, grasslands, coastal dunes and deserts.
Acacia is vital to ecosystems because it stabilizes soil, enriches soil through nitrogen fixation, and supports biodiversity by providing food and shelter for wildlife. It is a keystone and pioneer species, playing a central role in landscape regeneration by offering shade and a nitrogen source to facilitate the growth of other plants, even after the acacia itself has died.
Acacia blossoms have a light, beautiful, and complex scent with warm, honey, iris-like, powdery and balsamic qualities. It has a long history in perfumery. It was first used in making incense, and is still used for that purpose.