Basedow's wattle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Basedow's wattle |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Acacia
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| Species: |
basedowii
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| Acacia basedowii occurrence data from Australasian Virtual Herbarium | |
Acacia basedowii, also known as Basedow's wattle, is a type of shrub. It belongs to the Acacia family, which is a big group of plants. This wattle only grows naturally in the dry, central parts of Australia. When a plant only grows in one specific area, we say it is endemic to that place.
Contents
What Does Basedow's Wattle Look Like?
This shrub is usually prickly and spreads out. It grows to be about 0.5 to 1 metre (2 to 3 ft) tall. It has thin, spiny branches that often look a bit dusty or frosty.
Flowers and Leaves
Basedow's wattle blooms from June to October, showing off bright yellow flowers. These flowers are round, like small balls. The plant's leaves are called phyllodes. They are thick and shaped like a long oval, about 2 centimeters (0.8 inches) long and 2 millimeters (0.08 inches) wide. They have a few faint lines running along them. As the plant gets older, many of its older leaves fall off, making it look a bit open and twiggy.
Seed Pods
After the flowers bloom, dark brown seed pods grow. These pods are usually curved or twisted. They can be around 5 centimeters (2 inches) long and 3 millimeters (0.12 inches) wide.
Who Named Basedow's Wattle?
This plant was first officially described in 1920 by a botanist named Joseph Maiden. He wrote about it in a scientific paper. The plant's special name, basedowii, was chosen to honor Herbert Basedow. He was a scientist and explorer from South Australia. Herbert Basedow collected the first sample of this plant in 1903 from the Musgrave Ranges.
Changing Names
Sometimes, scientists change how plants are grouped. In 2003, another botanist, Leslie Pedley, moved Basedow's wattle to a different group called Racosperma. But then, in 2006, it was moved back to the Acacia group.
Where Does Basedow's Wattle Grow?
Basedow's wattle is found in several dry parts of central Australia.
Locations
- It grows in the central Goldfields area of Western Australia. Here, you can find it on stony hillsides and along temporary rivers that only flow after rain. It prefers firm, red sandy soils.
- It is also found in the Mann-Musgrave block, which is in the northwest of South Australia.
- You can also see it in the southwest part of the Northern Territory.
