Acacia beadleana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Acacia beadleana |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Acacia
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| Species: |
beadleana
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| Occurrence data from Australasian Virtual Herbarium | |
Acacia beadleana is a special type of shrub. It grows only in New South Wales, Australia. This means it is endemic to that area.
What it Looks Like
This shrub usually grows to be about 0.4 to 2 m (1 ft 4 in to 6 ft 7 in) tall. It has round, hairy branches. Like most Acacia plants, it has phyllodes instead of true leaves. Phyllodes are flattened leaf stems that act like leaves.
The phyllodes are thick and round. They grow close together on the stems. They are often angled outwards. Each phyllode is shaped like a narrow spear. They are slightly curved and have a few to many spreading hairs. These phyllodes can feel a bit rough. They are about 8 to 12 mm (0.31 to 0.47 in) long and 0.6 to 1.5 mm (0.024 to 0.059 in) wide.
Acacia beadleana blooms in January and February. It produces simple flowers that grow alone where a leaf meets the stem. These flowers are on thin, hairy stalks. The large, round flower heads are bright yellow to golden. Each head has 25 to 50 flowers packed tightly together.
After the flowers, smooth, leathery seed pods form. These pods are dark brown and oblong. They are about 35 to 50 mm (1.4 to 2.0 in) long and 8 to 12 mm (0.31 to 0.47 in) wide. Inside, the seeds are placed across the pod. Each seed is about 4 mm (0.16 in) long. They have a short, fleshy attachment called a funicle.
How it Got its Name
Scientists Jeremy James Bruhl and Rodney H.Jones first officially described this plant in 2006. They published their findings in a scientific paper.
The plant's special name, beadleana, honors Professor Noel Charles William Beadle. He was a very important professor of botany at the University of New England. He was also a well-known expert in plant classification and how plants interact with their environment.
Where it Grows
Acacia beadleana is found in the Gibraltar Range area. This is in north-western New South Wales. It grows on granite ridges and rocky slopes. You can find it among granite rock formations.
It prefers sandy soils. It grows in areas with low, dense shrubs called heath. It also grows in open woodlands where Eucalyptus trees are common. There are only a few known groups of these plants. Each group has about 100 plants. Most of them are found inside the Gibraltar Range National Park.
Images for kids
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Seed pods
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Habitat
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Regrowth and burnt trunk
