Acacia grandifolia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Acacia grandifolia |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Acacia
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| Species: |
grandifolia
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| Occurrence data from AVH | |
Acacia grandifolia is a special kind of tree. It belongs to the Acacia family, which is also known as wattles. This tree grows naturally in the northeastern part of Australia. It's considered a vulnerable plant. This means it needs protection because its numbers are getting low. The Australian government protects it under a law called the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
Contents
What Does Acacia grandifolia Look Like?
This tree usually grows up to 8 m (26 ft) (about 26 feet) tall. It has dark brown bark that looks deeply grooved. Its branches are strong and covered in soft, velvety grey hairs.
Leaves and Flowers
Like many Acacia trees, it doesn't have regular leaves. Instead, it has what are called phyllodes. These are like flattened leaf stems that do the job of leaves. The phyllodes are always green and shaped a bit like an oval. They are usually 7.5 to 15 cm (3.0 to 5.9 in) (3 to 6 inches) long. They are also 20 to 50 mm (0.79 to 1.97 in) (0.8 to 2 inches) wide. These phyllodes feel stiff and have three or four clear yellowish veins.
The Acacia grandifolia tree blooms between July and October. During this time, it grows beautiful golden flowers. These flowers grow in long, cylinder-shaped spikes. Each flower spike can be 4 to 9.5 cm (1.6 to 3.7 in) (1.6 to 3.7 inches) long.
Seed Pods
After the flowers, the tree grows seed pods. These pods are hairy and look like they are squeezed between the seeds inside. The seed pods are about 6 to 8 cm (2.4 to 3.1 in) (2.4 to 3.1 inches) long. They are also 5 to 6 mm (0.20 to 0.24 in) (0.2 to 0.24 inches) wide. The seeds are arranged in a line inside the pod.
Where Does Acacia grandifolia Grow?
This tree is found only in two small areas. These areas are in the Burnett District of southeastern Queensland, Australia. When a plant or animal is found only in one specific place, it is called endemic.
Habitat
Acacia grandifolia often grows near sandstone rocks. It likes sandy soils or shallow, stony soils. These stony soils often come from basalt rock. You can find it in hilly areas, in valleys, on flat plains, and on hilltops. It can even grow well in places where the ground has been disturbed, like along roadsides.
Plant Communities
This tree can grow in thick groups by itself. It also grows as part of a woodland community. It often shares its home with other trees. These include Eucalyptus crebra, Corymbia citriodora, Corymbia trachyphloia, and Eucalyptus exserta.
