Waajie wattle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Waajie wattle |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Acacia
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| Species: |
barakulensis
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| Occurrence data from AVH | |
Acacia barakulensis, commonly known as the waajie wattle, is a type of shrub that belongs to the large Acacia family. You can find this plant growing naturally in the northeastern parts of Australia.
What Does the Waajie Wattle Look Like?
This shrub usually grows to about 2 meters (around 6.5 feet) tall. Its branches have small hairs, are a bit sticky (resinous), and have ridges. Like most Acacia species, the waajie wattle has special flattened stems called phyllodes instead of true leaves. These phyllodes are like fake leaves that help the plant survive in dry places.
The phyllodes are packed closely together and stand upright. They are straight and thin, usually 10 to 28 millimeters long (about 0.4 to 1.1 inches) and less than 1 millimeter thick. They have a faint yellowish line on their upper side.
The waajie wattle blooms with yellow flowers between August and September. Its flowers grow in round clusters, like small balls, about 9 millimeters (0.35 inches) across. Each flower ball contains 20 to 35 tiny flowers.
After the flowers, flat, brown seed pods appear. These pods are straight and slightly pinched between each seed. They grow to about 40 millimeters (1.5 inches) long and 4 millimeters (0.15 inches) wide. The pods have clear lines along their edges. Inside, the brown seeds are lined up. Each seed is about 3.7 to 4.2 millimeters long and has a special fleshy part called an aril that helps with seed dispersal.
Where Does the Waajie Wattle Fit In?
The waajie wattle is part of a group of wattles that includes Acacia johnsonii. It is most closely related to another wattle called Acacia burbidgeae.
Where Can You Find the Waajie Wattle?
This plant is found only in a small area north of Chinchilla in Queensland, Australia. It grows in the Barakula State Forest. It prefers sandy or light sandy-loamy soils that are found over sandstone.
The waajie wattle grows as part of Eucalyptus woodland communities. It shares its home with other Acacia species, as well as Eucalyptus tenuipes, Corymbia trachyphloia, and Triodia mitchellii.
