Moir's wattle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Moir's wattle |
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| Acacia moirii subsp. dasycarpa | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Acacia
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| Species: |
moirii
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| Occurrence data from AVH | |
| Synonyms | |
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Racosperma moirii (E.Pritz.) Pedley |
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Moir's wattle, officially known as Acacia moirii, is a special plant found only in the south-west part of Western Australia. It's a type of subshrub, which means it's smaller than a tree but bigger than a regular plant, like a small bush. This plant usually grows to be about 0.15 to 0.6 meters tall.
It has leaves that are quite hairy. From May to August, you can see its beautiful golden-yellow flower heads, which look like small, round balls. After the flowers, the plant grows hairy seed pods. These pods are about 4 centimeters long and 5 to 6 millimeters wide.
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About Moir's Wattle
Moir's wattle is a unique plant because it is endemic to a specific area. This means it naturally grows only in the south-west of Western Australia and nowhere else in the world. It's an important part of the local ecosystem there.
What Does it Look Like?
This wattle is a small, bushy plant. It doesn't grow very tall, usually staying below your waist. Its leaves are covered in tiny hairs, which might help it survive in its environment.
Flowers and Seeds
The flowers of Moir's wattle are bright golden-yellow and shaped like little spheres. They bloom during the cooler months, from May to August. These flowers are actually made up of many tiny flowers grouped together. After the flowers fade, they are replaced by seed pods. These pods are also hairy and contain the seeds that will grow into new plants.
Plant Classification
Every plant and animal has a scientific name, like Acacia moirii. This helps scientists around the world know exactly which plant they are talking about.
How it Got its Name
The first official sample of Moir's wattle was collected near a place called Cape Riche in 1901. It was found by a person named A.J. Moir, which is why the plant was named after him.
Different Types of Moir's Wattle
Scientists have found that there are actually three slightly different types, or subspecies, of Moir's wattle. They are:
- A. moirii subsp. dasycarpa
- A. moirii subsp. moirii
- A. moirii subsp. recurvistipula
These subspecies might have small differences in their appearance or where exactly they grow.
Where Moir's Wattle Grows
Moir's wattle can be found in several areas across the south-west of Western Australia.
Habitat and Locations
This plant likes to grow in sandy areas, on rolling plains, hills, and slightly raised ground. You can find it in a wide region stretching from Eneabba in the north, down to Manypeaks and Jerdacuttup. It also grows further east, near Esperance, especially within the Cape Arid National Park.
