Acacia megacephala facts for kids
Acacia megacephala is a type of shrub that belongs to the Acacia family. It is a special plant because it grows naturally only in the southwestern part of Australia. This means it is an endemic species, found nowhere else in the world.
Quick facts for kids Acacia megacephala |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Acacia
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| Species: |
megacephala
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| Occurrence data from AVH | |
Contents
What is Acacia megacephala like?
This shrub stands upright and can look a bit thin or "spindly." It also has spines, which means it is "spinose." It usually grows to be about 0.9 to 2 metres (3 to 7 ft) tall.
Its small branches, called branchlets, are often hairy and tend to curve downwards. These branchlets have spines where the leaves join, which are called axillary spines. The plant also has small leaf-like parts called stipules, which are shaped like thin triangles and are about 1.5 to 4 mm (0.059 to 0.157 in) long.
The leaves of Acacia megacephala are interesting. Each leaf has one pair of main leaflets, called pinnae, which are about 4 to 6 mm (0.16 to 0.24 in) long. On these pinnae, there are four to six pairs of smaller leaflets, called pinnules. These pinnules are smooth and green-grey. They have a shape that is wider at the tip and narrower at the base, like a small spoon, which is called "oblanceolate." Each pinnule is about 3 to 6 mm (0.12 to 0.24 in) long and 1.5 to 3 mm (0.059 to 0.118 in) wide.
This plant blooms from July to September, showing off bright yellow flowers.
How was Acacia megacephala named?
The scientific name for this plant was first officially given in 1972. A botanist named Bruce Maslin described it as part of his work on the Acacia genus. This description was published in a science journal called Nuytsia.
Later, in 2003, another botanist named Leslie Pedley reclassified it. He moved it to a different genus, calling it Racosperma megacephalum. However, in 2006, it was moved back to the Acacia genus, where it remains today.
Where does Acacia megacephala grow?
Acacia megacephala is found naturally in a specific part of Western Australia. It grows in the Mid West region.
You can usually find this shrub growing in sandy or loamy soils, often in areas called sandplains. Its natural home is quite small, mainly around the city of Geraldton. It grows as part of mixed scrub and shrubland plant communities in these areas.
See Also
- List of Acacia species
