Yalgoo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Yalgoo |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Acacia
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| Species: |
longiphyllodinea
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| Occurrence data from AVH | |
Acacia longiphyllodinea, also known as yalgoo or long-leaved wattle, is a type of shrub. It belongs to a large group of plants called Acacia (wattles). This plant is special because it only grows in certain parts of western Australia. When a plant or animal only lives in one specific area, we call it endemic to that place.
Contents
What Yalgoo Looks Like
The yalgoo shrub usually grows to be about 1 to 5 metres (3 to 16 ft) tall. It has many stems that spread out and look a bit like wires. These stems are smooth, meaning they don't have hairs.
Stems, Bark, and Branches
Older yalgoo plants have dark grey bark. This bark often has small cracks or splits near the bottom. The younger branches are brown and have a white, powdery coating. They are also a little flat towards their tips.
Leaves and Flowers
The leaves of the yalgoo are long, green, and stand up straight. They are not true leaves but are called phyllodes. Phyllodes are flattened leaf stalks that look and act like leaves. Each phyllode can be 15 to 45 cm (5.9 to 17.7 in) long and only 1 to 1.5 mm (0.039 to 0.059 in) wide.
Yalgoo plants flower from July to September. They produce bright yellow flowers. These flowers grow in long, cylinder-shaped clusters. Each cluster is about 3 to 4 cm (1.2 to 1.6 in) long and 3 to 4 mm (0.12 to 0.16 in) wide. They are packed with golden-colored flowers. These flower clusters grow where the leaf meets the stem, either alone or in pairs.
Seed Pods and Seeds
After the flowers bloom, the plant forms seed pods. These pods are light brown and can be straight or slightly curved. They are long and thin, measuring 5 to 15 cm (2.0 to 5.9 in) in length and 4 to 5 mm (0.16 to 0.20 in) wide. The pods might be a little pinched between each seed. Inside, there are dark brown seeds that are about 4 mm (0.16 in) long. They are shaped like oblongs and lie lengthwise in the pod.
Where Yalgoo Grows
The yalgoo plant is found only in the Mid West and Wheatbelt areas of Western Australia. It likes to grow on gently rolling plains. You can also find it among large granite rocks.
Soil and Environment
Yalgoo prefers sandy or loamy soils that contain gravel. Its natural home stretches from around Geraldton in the north. It goes east to Yalgoo and south to places like Bencubbin. This plant often grows alongside low Eucalyptus trees, forming part of their woodland communities.
