Acacia megalantha facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Acacia megalantha |
|
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Acacia
|
| Species: |
megalantha
|
 |
|
| Occurrence data from AVH | |
Acacia megalantha is a type of shrub that belongs to the Acacia family. It is special because it only grows in northern Australia, meaning it is endemic to that area.
About This Plant
This shrub usually grows about 1 metre (3 ft) tall. However, it can sometimes reach up to 4 metres (13 ft). It has light grey bark and its branches flatten out near the ends.
Its leaves, called phyllodes, are tough and stiff. They are shaped like a narrow oval and are often a bit slanted. These phyllodes are typically 5 to 11 centimetres (2.0 to 4.3 in) long and 14 to 28 millimetres (0.551 to 1.102 in) wide. They usually have three clear lines running along them.
The plant flowers in April, producing yellow blooms. The flower spikes are 1.4 to 3.5 cm (0.6 to 1.4 in) long and covered in fine, golden flowers. After the flowers, the plant grows pale, thick, and woody seed pods. These pods are flat and have straight sides. Each pod is 3 to 10 cm (1.2 to 3.9 in) long and 7.5 to 10 mm (0.295 to 0.394 in) wide. Inside, the light brown seeds are round or broadly oval, measuring 4.8 to 6.2 mm (0.189 to 0.244 in) long.
Plant History and Naming
The first official description of this plant was made by a botanist named Ferdinand von Mueller in 1859. He wrote about it in a scientific journal. Later, in 1987, another botanist, Leslie Pedley, gave it a new name, Racosperma megalanthum. But in 2001, it was moved back to its original group, the Acacia genus.
Where It Grows
Acacia megalantha is found naturally in central Queensland, especially around Mount Isa. It also grows across Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory and in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. This shrub likes to grow in sandy soils on sandstone, near large rocks, and on rocky slopes.
