Acacia latipes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Acacia latipes |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Acacia
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| Species: |
latipes
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| Occurrence data from AVH | |
Acacia latipes is a type of shrub that belongs to the Acacia family, also known as the pea family (Leguminosae or Fabaceae). This plant is special because it is endemic, meaning it only grows naturally in the southwestern part of Australia.
What Does It Look Like?
This Acacia is a thick, bushy shrub. It usually grows to be about 0.3 to 2 meters (1 to 6.5 feet) tall.
Like most Acacia plants, it does not have true leaves. Instead, it has special flattened stems called phyllodes. These phyllodes are grey-green in color. They can be shaped like an oval, a narrow rectangle, a triangle, or a line. They are usually straight or slightly curved. Each phyllode is about 1 to 4 centimeters long and 1.5 to 7 millimeters wide.
The Acacia latipes blooms from June to October. During this time, it produces bright yellow flowers.
How Is It Classified?
Scientists have identified two main types, or subspecies, of Acacia latipes:
- Acacia latipes subsp. latipes
- Acacia latipes subsp. licina
Where Does It Grow?
This plant is found in different areas of Western Australia. These areas include the Goldfields-Esperance, Wheatbelt, and Mid West regions.
Acacia latipes likes to grow on hills, flat areas, and sandy plains. It prefers sandy or sandy-loam soils. You can often find it growing on or near granite and limestone rocks.
The plant's natural home is spread out, not continuous. It ranges from Hamelin Pool in the north to Quairading. You can also find smaller groups of these plants around Lake King in the south and further east of Scaddan. It is usually part of shrubland, heathland, or woodland plant groups.
