Small red-leaved wattle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Small red-leaved wattle |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Acacia
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| Species: |
nana
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| Occurrence data from AVH | |
The Acacia nana, often called the small red-leaved wattle, is a type of shrub. It's part of the Acacia family, which is a large group of plants. This special wattle only grows naturally in eastern Australia. This means it's endemic there, found nowhere else in the world.
Contents
What Does the Small Red-Leaved Wattle Look Like?
This shrub usually grows between 0.2 and 2 meters tall. That's like a small bush or a tall person! Its branches are reddish to brown and often have tiny hairs on them.
Leaves and Flowers
Unlike many plants, the small red-leaved wattle doesn't have true leaves. Instead, it has what are called phyllodes. These are flattened leaf stalks that act like leaves. They are always green and shaped like a narrow oval or a spear. Each phyllode has a small point at its tip, slightly off-center.
These phyllodes are smooth or almost smooth. They are about 3 to 8 centimeters long and 4 to 6 millimeters wide. Each one has a single vein. As they get older, these phyllodes turn a beautiful red color.
When it flowers, the wattle produces groups of flowers called racemose inflorescences. These are like little clusters of flowers along a stem. The flower heads are round and contain 7 to 12 golden-colored flowers.
Seeds and Pods
After the flowers bloom, the plant makes thin, smooth seed pods. These pods are narrow and oblong, like a small bean pod. They grow to about 4 centimeters long and 4 to 6 millimeters wide. Inside these pods, you'll find dark brown seeds. The seeds are oval-shaped and about 4 millimeters long.
Where Does the Small Red-Leaved Wattle Grow?
The small red-leaved wattle grows in specific areas of New South Wales, Australia. It's found in two main regions that are not connected. These are the northern and central tablelands.
Specific Locations
In the northern part of its range, you can find populations around places like Longford and Ebor. Further south, it grows in the western part of the Blue Mountains. Here, you might spot it near towns such as Capetree and Cullen Bullen.
