Mosquito Creek wattle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mosquito Creek wattle |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Acacia
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| Species: |
fecunda
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| Where the Mosquito Creek wattle grows (data from AVH) | |
The Mosquito Creek wattle (scientific name: Acacia fecunda) is a special kind of shrub. It belongs to the Acacia plant family. This plant is endemic, meaning it grows naturally only in one specific part of the world. For the Mosquito Creek wattle, that place is the north-western part of Australia.
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What Does the Mosquito Creek Wattle Look Like?
This shrub grows straight up and is shaped a bit like a cone. It usually reaches a height of about 1.5 to 3 meters (5 to 10 feet). The bark on its main trunk is grey. As you look higher up the plant, the bark becomes a lighter yellow-brown color.
Stems and Branches
The Mosquito Creek wattle typically has two to four main stems. These stems can be about 4 to 5 centimeters (1.5 to 2 inches) wide at the bottom. The top part of the plant, called the crown, is open and can spread out to about 3 meters (10 feet) wide. Its small branches are round and thin. They have tiny ridges and are covered in very fine hairs.
Leaves (Phyllodes)
Like most Acacia species, this plant doesn't have true leaves. Instead, it has what are called phyllodes. These phyllodes are dull green to blue-green. They are shaped like a narrow oval or a spoon, and can be straight or slightly curved. Each phyllode is usually 8 to 12 centimeters (3 to 5 inches) long and 10 to 15 millimeters (about half an inch) wide. They feel tough and sometimes a bit sticky. You can see fine lines running along them, which are like tiny veins.
Flowers
The Mosquito Creek wattle blooms with yellow flowers. These flowers usually appear between May and August.
Where Does the Mosquito Creek Wattle Grow?
This unique plant is found only in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. It grows in just a few separate areas. These spots are located near where the Oakover River and Davis River meet. This area is east of a town called Nullagine. The wattle prefers rocky places. It grows specifically on rocks that are part of the Mosquito Creek sedimentary rock formations.
