At the beginning of the hot season, the Acacia confusa trees bloom and hillsides and road verges start showing a distinctive yellow from the flowers.

<img src="http://www.compunicate.com/Lamma/31/Acacia2-bb.jpg" border=1>
<img src="http://www.compunicate.com/Lamma/31/Acacia1-bb.jpg" border=1>

The Acacia confusa is not native, but it is planted all over Hong Kong. The main reason it is popular is that it withstands fire. It is useful to have the odd stand on hillsides as a fire break as Homo pyromanicus is not likely to become extinct any time soon.

The tree is usually found bordering roads and hillside walks, like these ones on the Cable Road

<img src="http://www.compunicate.com/Lamma/31/Acacia3-bb.jpg" border=1>

But it can grow into a fine tree on its own if allowed the space, like this one near the Power Station Beach. It should look even better in fifty years or so.

<img src="http://www.compunicate.com/Lamma/31/Acacia4-bb.jpg" border=1>

The name confusa, "confusing" is apparently because what look like leaves are really flattened stems, so I am told.