the cootamundra wattle is an australian shrub or tree. it is in the family fabaceae. the tree's latin name, "acacia baileyana", is named after the botanist frederick manson bailey. it is one of nearly 1000 species of "acacia" found in australia. the cootamundra wattle at first only came from a small area in southern new south wales near cootamundra. it has been widely planted all over australia. in many areas of victoria cootamundra wattle has become a weed. it is taking over from acacias that were only found in victorian.