Myrtle wattle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Myrtle wattle |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Acacia
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| Species: |
myrtifolia
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| Occurrence data from AVH | |
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The Myrtle Wattle (Acacia myrtifolia) is a beautiful shrub. It grows along the coasts of southern and eastern Australia. People also call it red stem wattle or red-stemmed wattle. This plant is a type of Acacia, which is a large group of plants common in Australia.
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What Does the Myrtle Wattle Look Like?
The Myrtle Wattle is a small, bushy shrub. It usually grows between 0.3 and 3 meters (about 1 to 10 feet) tall. It can spread out about 2 to 3 meters (6 to 10 feet) wide. The bark on its trunk is smooth and grey.
One special thing about this wattle is its red branches. They grow upwards and have clear ridges. The leaves, called phyllodes, are green and slightly curved. They are shaped like an oval or a narrow oval. Each phyllode is usually 2 to 9 cm (about 1 to 3.5 inches) long and 0.5 to 3 cm wide.
Its flowers are a creamy white or pale yellow color. They bloom in winter and spring. The flowers grow in round clusters, about 6 to 13 mm (0.2 to 0.5 inches) wide. After the flowers, the plant grows curved seed pods. These pods are 4 to 7 cm (about 1.5 to 3 inches) long.
The pods are pale and have clear edges. When they dry, they become firm and brittle. Inside, there are shiny brown seeds. Each seed is narrow and oblong, about 3.5 to 4.5 mm (0.14 to 0.18 inches) long.
How the Myrtle Wattle Got Its Name
The Myrtle Wattle was first officially described in 1806. This was done by a botanist named Carl Ludwig von Willdenow. It was one of the first plants from Australia to be drawn and studied. An artist named James Sowerby illustrated it.
The plant's scientific name, myrtifolia, comes from two Latin words. Myrtus means 'myrtle', and folium means 'leaf'. So, myrtifolia means 'myrtle-leaved', because its leaves look a bit like those of a myrtle plant.
Where the Myrtle Wattle Grows
This shrub is found all along the south coast of Western Australia. It also grows further inland in areas like the South West and Wheatbelt regions. You can find it from Albany in the south to Kondinin in the north. It also grows from Augusta in the west to Cape Arid in the east. It likes to grow in gravelly or sandy soils.
The Myrtle Wattle also grows in coastal areas of South Australia. From there, it spreads along the coasts of Victoria and New South Wales. It goes as far north as Gladstone in Queensland. You can also find it in coastal areas of Tasmania.
This plant usually lives in open forests, mixed woodlands, scrub, or heathlands. It prefers places near the coast.
Growing Myrtle Wattle
The Myrtle Wattle was one of the first native Australian plants grown in Europe. People also grow it in Australia, but it's not as common in gardens as some other wattle types. This is because many other Acacia species have more colorful flowers.
If you want to grow it, the Myrtle Wattle likes soil that drains well. It needs full sun and can handle moderate frosts. If you trim it a little after it flowers, it will grow into a bushier shape.
If you plant seeds, you need to prepare them first. You can soak them in boiling water or scratch their outer layer. You can also grow new plants from cuttings.
This shrub grows quickly. It's good for gardens that don't need much care. It's also useful for roadsides and large median strips. It can act as a wind-break, a natural barrier, or help stop soil from washing away.
