Warrumbungle Range wattle facts for kids

The Warrumbungle Range wattle (Acacia forsythii) is a special type of shrub. It belongs to the Acacia family, which is a large group of plants often called wattles. This plant grows naturally in parts of eastern Australia.

What it Looks Like

This wattle usually grows into a shrub that is about 1.5 to 4 meters tall. That's like being as tall as a small car or even a basketball hoop! It can grow straight up or spread out. Its branches are reddish and smooth, meaning they don't have any hairs.

Instead of regular leaves, the Warrumbungle Range wattle has what are called phyllodes. These are like flattened leaf stems that do the job of leaves. They are long and narrow, either straight or slightly curved. Each phyllode is about 6 to 9 centimeters long and 2 to 5 millimeters wide. They have a clear line down the middle, which is the main vein.

When it's time to bloom, usually between October and March, this wattle produces bright yellow flowers. These flowers add a splash of color to its habitat.

Where it Lives

You can find the Warrumbungle Range wattle growing along the east coast of northern New South Wales in Australia. It prefers higher places, especially in the Warrumbungle Range.

This plant is part of a type of environment called a dry sclerophyll forest. Sclerophyll forests are special because their plants have hard, tough leaves. This helps them survive in dry conditions and often in areas where bushfires can happen. The Warrumbungle Range wattle fits right into these tough, beautiful forests.