Tara wattle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tara wattle |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Acacia
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| Species: |
lauta
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The Tara wattle (its scientific name is Acacia lauta) is a type of shrub. It belongs to the Acacia family, which includes many different wattles. This special plant only grows in one specific area: north-eastern Australia. When a plant or animal only lives in one place, we call it endemic.
The Tara wattle is also considered a vulnerable plant. This means it's at risk of disappearing if we don't protect it. The Australian government has laws, like the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, to help protect plants like the Tara wattle.
What Does the Tara Wattle Look Like?
This shrub usually grows up to 2 metres (7 ft) tall. It often has a spreading shape, meaning its branches reach out wide.
Like most Acacia plants, the Tara wattle doesn't have regular leaves. Instead, it has special flattened stems called phyllodes. These phyllodes are green all year round. They are about 20 to 20 mm (0.79 to 0.79 in) long and 1.5 to 2.5 mm (0.059 to 0.098 in) wide. Each phyllode has a slightly raised line in the middle.
Flowers and Seed Pods
When the Tara wattle blooms, it produces round flower-heads. These flower-heads are bright golden and contain about 25 to 30 small flowers. They grow on smooth or slightly hairy stalks that are 3 to 7 mm (0.12 to 0.28 in) long.
After the flowers, smooth seed pods start to form. These pods can be up to 6 cm (2.4 in) long and 4 mm (0.16 in) wide. Inside, they hold seeds that are arranged lengthwise. Each seed is about 4 to 5 mm (0.16 to 0.20 in) long.
The Tara wattle is quite similar to another plant called Acacia johnsonii. They are both part of a group of wattles known as the Acacia johnsonii group.
Where Does the Tara Wattle Grow?
The Tara wattle is found only in a small part of south-eastern Queensland, Australia. You can find it in the Darling Downs region, specifically between the towns of Tara and Inglewood.
It prefers to grow in sandy soils. It's usually found in open woodland areas, where trees are spread out and there's plenty of sunlight.
