Echidna wattle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Echidna wattle |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Acacia
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| Species: |
depressa
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| Occurrence data from AVH | |
The echidna wattle (scientific name: Acacia depressa) is a special type of shrub. It belongs to the Acacia family, which is known for its many different wattle plants. This plant is endemic, meaning it grows naturally only in one specific place: the southwestern part of Australia. Since 2007, the echidna wattle has been listed as a vulnerable plant. This means it needs protection because its numbers are low and it's at risk of disappearing.
Contents
What Does Echidna Wattle Look Like?
The echidna wattle is a thick, low-growing shrub that spreads out along the ground. It usually grows to be quite short, only about 5 to 15 centimeters (2 to 6 inches) tall. It can form wide mats, sometimes more than 0.5 meters (1.6 feet) across. Its small branches are covered in tiny hairs and have spines.
Leaves, Flowers, and Seed Pods
The leaves of the echidna wattle are a milky green to grey-green color. They are smooth and have a special shape called "bipinnate." This means they are divided into smaller sections, like a fern leaf. Each leaf has one pair of main divisions, called pinnae, which are about 2 to 4 millimeters long. These pinnae then have even smaller divisions, called pinnules. There are usually three to four pairs of pinnules, and they are narrow and oblong, about 2 to 3 millimeters long and 1 millimeter wide.
This plant blooms with bright yellow flowers from December to January. The flowers grow in simple, round clusters, like little balls. Each cluster has about 12 to 15 light golden flowers. After the flowers, flat, firm seed pods form. These pods are narrow and oblong, about 1 to 2 centimeters long and 3 millimeters wide. They have a slightly thicker edge.
Where Does Echidna Wattle Grow?
The echidna wattle is found naturally in the Wheatbelt region of Western Australia. It prefers to grow on low, rocky hills and slightly raised areas. You'll often find it in gravelly soils that contain a type of rock called laterite.
Habitat and Location
This plant has a limited distribution, meaning it only grows in a small area. It is mainly found around Lake Grace. Here, it grows as part of low shrubland or open heath communities. These are areas with many small shrubs and plants that grow close to the ground.
