Acacia calyculata facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Acacia calyculata
Scientific classification
Genus:	Acacia
Species:	calyculata
Occurrence data from AVH

Acacia calyculata is a type of shrub found in northeastern Australia. It is part of the Acacia plant family, also known as wattles. This plant is special because it grows naturally only in certain parts of Australia.

What it Looks Like

This shrub has many branches and usually grows up to about 2.5 meters (8 feet) tall. Its bark is flaky and can be brown or grey. The young branches are flat, strong, and brownish.

• Leaves: Like most Acacia plants, Acacia calyculata doesn't have true leaves. Instead, it has what are called phyllodes. These are flattened leaf stalks that look and act like leaves.
• Phyllodes: The phyllodes are flat and can be straight or slightly curved. They are shaped like a narrow oval, about 4 to 12.5 centimeters (1.6 to 4.9 inches) long and 5 to 25 millimeters (0.2 to 1 inch) wide. You can easily see three main veins on them.
• Flowers: This plant blooms all year round. It produces flower-spikes that are 1.4 to 3.6 centimeters (0.55 to 1.4 inches) long. The flowers are white to cream colored.
• Seed Pods: After the flowers bloom, long, thin seed pods grow. These pods are smooth and woody. They are usually straight-sided and can be round or slightly square-shaped. They grow to about 5 to 11 centimeters (2 to 4.3 inches) long and 3 to 5 millimeters (0.12 to 0.2 inches) wide.
• Seeds: Inside the pods are dark brown seeds. They are shaped like a long oval and are about 3.5 to 5.6 millimeters (0.14 to 0.22 inches) long.

Where it Grows

Acacia calyculata is found only in Queensland, a state in Australia. It grows in areas along the coast, from the Cape York Peninsula down to the city of Townsville.

• Habitat: You can often find this shrub on steep hillsides. It prefers shallow, rocky soils that come from granite or sandstone.
• Plant Communities: It typically grows as part of Eucalyptus woodlands or open forests. Sometimes, it can also be found in heath or scrubland areas, especially in sandy soils near the coast.