Acacia multistipulosa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Acacia multistipulosa |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Acacia
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| Species: |
multistipulosa
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| Occurrence data from AVH | |
Acacia multistipulosa is a type of shrub or small tree. It belongs to the large Acacia family, also known as wattles. This plant is native to the northern parts of Australia.
Contents
What Does Acacia multistipulosa Look Like?
This wattle can grow quite tall, reaching up to 10 m (33 ft) (about 33 feet). It often has a thin and tall shape. Its bark starts smooth and dark brown or black when the tree is young. As the tree gets older, the bark develops long cracks.
The branches of Acacia multistipulosa are round and covered in dense hairs. It has very noticeable stipules, which are small leaf-like parts at the base of the leaf stalks.
Leaves and Flowers
Like most Acacia species, this plant has phyllodes instead of true leaves. Phyllodes are flattened leaf stalks that act like leaves. These evergreen phyllodes are narrow and oval-shaped. They can also be slightly curved, like a sickle.
The phyllodes feel leathery and are often hairy. They are usually 3 to 10.5 cm (1.2 to 4.1 in) long and 4 to 8 mm (0.16 to 0.31 in) wide. Each phyllode has one main vein that stands out. There are also many smaller veins, about 8 to 13 per millimeter.
Acacia multistipulosa blooms between March and June. It produces bright golden flowers. These flowers grow in cylinder-shaped spikes. Each spike can be 2.4 to 9 cm (0.94 to 3.54 in) long and is packed with many yellow flowers.
Seed Pods and Seeds
After flowering, the plant forms seed pods. These pods start green and become brown as they age. They are flat and linear in shape, but sometimes they can be a little twisted. The pods are 3.5 to 8 cm (1.4 to 3.1 in) long and 5 to 7 mm (0.20 to 0.28 in) wide.
Inside the pods are dark brown to black seeds. These seeds are arranged at an angle. Each seed is about 3.6 to 4 mm (0.14 to 0.16 in) long. They have a pale, open area called an areole on their surface.
Where Does This Wattle Grow?
Acacia multistipulosa is found only in the Northern Territory of Australia. This means it is endemic to that area. It grows specifically within Kakadu National Park.
You can often find this plant on rocky ledges. It usually grows among large boulders. It prefers sandy soils that are found over sandstone. It is part of open Eucalyptus woodland communities. These woodlands often have an understorey of Triodia grasses.
