Acacia conjunctifolia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Acacia conjunctifolia |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Acacia
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| Species: |
conjunctifolia
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| Occurrence data from AVH | |
Acacia conjunctifolia is a type of shrub, a woody plant smaller than a tree. It belongs to the Acacia family, which is a very large group of plants. This particular acacia is found naturally in northern Australia.
What it Looks Like
This shrub usually grows to be about 1.5 to 2 metres (5 to 7 ft) tall. Its branches are brown or dark brown and have clear ridges. Instead of true leaves, Acacia conjunctifolia has special flattened stems called phyllodes.
These phyllodes are green and can be long and thin, or slightly wider in the middle. They grow either by themselves or in small groups of two to four. Each phyllode is flat and can be straight or a little bit curved. They are usually 0.8 to 2.7 centimetres (0.31 to 1.06 in) long and 1 to 3.5 millimetres (0.039 to 0.138 in) wide.
The plant produces pale yellow flowers. These flowers appear between May and September. They grow in spikes that are 0.7 to 3 cm (0.28 to 1.18 in) long. After the flowers bloom, long, straight seed pods form. These pods are 3 to 7 cm (1.18 to 2.76 in) long and 3.5 to 7 mm (0.138 to 0.276 in) wide. Inside the pods are dark brown seeds, which are about 3 to 6 mm (0.118 to 0.236 in) long.
How it Got its Name
The first official description of Acacia conjunctifolia was made by a botanist named Ferdinand von Mueller. He wrote about it in 1879. A botanist is a scientist who studies plants.
Later, in 1987, another botanist named Leslie Pedley changed its name to Racosperma conjunctifolium. However, in 2001, scientists decided to change it back to the Acacia group. Scientists often change plant names as they learn more about them. This plant is thought to be closely related to another acacia called Acacia amentifera.
Where it Grows
Acacia conjunctifolia is found in a few specific areas in Australia. You can find it in the "Top End" of the Northern Territory. This is the northernmost part of the territory. It also grows in a small area in northwestern Queensland.
In these places, it prefers to grow in rocky or sandy soils. It is often found on laterite (a type of red soil) or quartzite (a hard rock). It grows as part of Eucalypt woodlands or open forests. These are areas with many eucalyptus trees and other shrubs.
In Western Australia, it is found in a small part of the Kimberley region. Here, it grows on sandstone rocks, usually near creek beds.
