Acacia cochlocarpa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Acacia cochlocarpa |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Acacia
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| Species: |
cochlocarpa
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Acacia cochlocarpa is a type of shrub that belongs to the large Acacia plant family, also known as wattles. It grows naturally in Western Australia. This plant is part of a group of wattles called Juliflorae, which are known for their interesting flower spikes.
What Does It Look Like?
This sprawling shrub usually grows to be about 0.3 to 0.7 metres (1.0 to 2.3 ft) tall, but some can reach up to 1.5 metres (5 ft). It has yellow flowers that bloom at certain times of the year.
The branches are slightly wavy and have small, leaf-like parts called stipules that stay on the plant. Instead of typical leaves, Acacia cochlocarpa has special flattened stems called phyllodes. These phyllodes are narrow, shaped like an oval, and curve inwards. They are usually 2.5 to 7.5 centimetres (1.0 to 3.0 in) long and 3 to 6 millimetres (0.12 to 0.24 in) wide.
The plant produces two simple flower clusters, called inflorescences, in the spot where a leaf meets the stem. These flower heads are roundish to short and cylinder-shaped. They are about 5 to 10 mm (0.20 to 0.39 in) long and 5 to 6 mm (0.20 to 0.24 in) across.
After the flowers bloom, the plant forms interesting seed pods. These pods are tightly spiraled or irregularly coiled. Inside, they hold shiny, speckled seeds that are round to oblong in shape and measure about 1.5 to 2.5 mm (0.06 to 0.10 in).
Where Does It Grow?
Acacia cochlocarpa is found in different spots across the Wheatbelt region of Western Australia. It likes to grow in sandy soils, or in soils that have clay and gravel, often near a type of rock called laterite. You can find it in areas around Watheroo and Manmanning. It often grows as part of sandy heathland communities, which are areas with low-growing shrubs and plants.
Types of Acacia cochlocarpa
There are two known types, or subspecies, of Acacia cochlocarpa:
- Acacia cochlocarpa Meisn. subsp. cochlocarpa
- Acacia cochlocarpa subsp. velutinosa Maslin & A.R.Chapman
Acacia cochlocarpa looks a lot like another wattle called Acacia lirellata. It is also closely related to Acacia tetraneura.
