Acacia aestivalis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Acacia aestivalis |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Acacia
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| Species: |
aestivalis
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| Occurrence data from AVH | |
Acacia aestivalis is a type of shrub, a bushy plant, that grows naturally in Western Australia. It belongs to a large group of plants called Acacias.
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About This Plant
This shrub usually grows straight up and is quite bushy. It can reach a height of about 2 to 4 meters (6.5 to 13 feet). Its leaves are always green, even in winter. These leaves are actually special flattened stems called phyllodes. They are long and thin, about 6 to 11 centimeters (2.4 to 4.3 inches) long. They are also about 2.5 to 7 millimeters (0.1 to 0.3 inches) wide. Acacia aestivalis shows off its bright yellow flowers from November to December.
How It Got Its Name
Scientists give every plant a unique two-part name, like a first and last name. This is called binomial nomenclature. The first part is the genus, like Acacia. The second part is the specific epithet, which helps identify the exact species.
The Scientific Discovery
The Acacia aestivalis was first officially described in 1904. A botanist named Ernst Georg Pritzel gave it its scientific name. He did this as part of a bigger project with another scientist, Ludwig Diels. Their work was about the plants of Western Australia.
What Aestivalis Means
The second part of its name, aestivalis, comes from Latin. It means "pertaining to the summer." This might be because the plant blooms during the summer months in Australia.
Where It Grows
This plant is endemic, which means it only grows naturally in a specific area. You can find Acacia aestivalis in the Mid West and Wheatbelt regions of Western Australia. It often grows along roadsides and in low, flat areas. It can grow in different types of soil, like clay, loam, or sand.
Its Habitat
Acacia aestivalis is often found as a middle layer plant in forests. These forests are usually made up of Eucalyptus salmonophloia trees. It can also form thick groups of plants in areas that have been disturbed, like after land clearing.
