Acacia clelandii facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Umbrella mulga |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Acacia
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| Species: |
clelandii
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| Occurrence data from AVH | |
Acacia clelandii, also known as umbrella mulga, is a type of shrub. It belongs to the Acacia family and grows in the dry, central parts of Australia.
What is Umbrella Mulga Like?
This shrub usually grows to about 5 m (16 ft) tall. It spreads out, giving it a wide shape. Its small branches have yellow, sticky ridges covered in tiny white hairs.
Instead of regular leaves, the umbrella mulga has special leaf-like parts called phyllodes. These phyllodes are always green. They can be round or slightly flat, and they might be straight or a little curved. They are usually 5 to 15 cm (2.0 to 5.9 in) long and about 1 to 1.8 mm (0.039 to 0.071 in) thick. They have thin lines running along them and feel soft because of tiny hairs.
The plant produces simple flower spikes. These spikes are shaped like cylinders and are about 10 to 25 mm (0.39 to 0.98 in) long. They usually grow one by one where the leaves meet the stem. After the flowers, the plant forms straight, brown seed pods. These pods are oblong, about 25 to 50 mm (0.98 to 1.97 in) long and 6 to 10 mm (0.24 to 0.39 in) wide. They are a bit firm and have a network of lines on them. Inside, the seeds are oblong, 4 to 6 mm (0.16 to 0.24 in) long and 3 to 3.5 mm (0.12 to 0.14 in) wide, with a small, pale attachment called an aril.
Where Does Umbrella Mulga Grow?
In Western Australia, you can find the umbrella mulga in a few scattered places. It grows in the Pilbara and eastern Mid West regions. It often lives on sand dunes or rocky hills.
It also grows in South Australia, especially in the Gawler Range and the far northern areas. From there, its range extends into nearby parts of Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
