Acacia nigripilosa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Acacia nigripilosa |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Acacia
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| Species: |
nigripilosa
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| Occurrence data from AVH | |
Acacia nigripilosa is a type of shrub that belongs to the Acacia family, also known as wattles. This special plant is found only in Western Australia, meaning it is endemic there.
Contents
About the Acacia nigripilosa Shrub
This shrub typically grows to be about 0.5 to 2 meters (1.6 to 6.6 feet) tall. It has smooth, ash-grey branches. Its leaves, called phyllodes, are dull to shiny green. They are shaped like long, narrow blades or slightly wider at the tip.
These phyllodes are typically 2 to 7 centimeters (0.8 to 2.8 inches) long and 1 to 8 millimeters (0.04 to 0.3 inches) wide. They become narrower at their base.
Flowers and Seed Pods
The Acacia nigripilosa blooms from July to September. It produces bright yellow flowers. The flowers grow in small clusters, either alone or in pairs, along a tiny stem that is 1 to 3 millimeters long.
Each flower cluster is slightly oval-shaped and contains 18 to 34 golden flowers. After the flowers, seed pods start to form. These pods look a bit like a string of beads. They are usually 4 to 9 centimeters (1.6 to 3.5 inches) long and 4 to 7 millimeters (0.16 to 0.28 inches) wide. Inside the pods, you'll find shiny, dark brown seeds. These seeds are about 4 millimeters (0.16 inches) long and are shaped like an oval or egg.
Naming and Classification
The Acacia nigripilosa was first officially described by a botanist named Joseph Maiden in 1920. He wrote about it in a scientific paper called Notes on Acacias, No. IV, with descriptions of new species.
Later, in 2003, another botanist named Leslie Pedley reclassified it. He moved it to a different group called Racosperma nigripilosum. However, in 2006, it was moved back to the Acacia group. This plant has only one other name it's been known by, which is Acacia nigripilosus.
Subspecies
There are two recognized types, or subspecies, of Acacia nigripilosa:
- Acacia nigripilosa subsp. latifolia
- Acacia nigripilosa subsp. nigripilosa
Where it Grows
This plant naturally grows in certain parts of Western Australia. You can find it in the Mid West, Goldfields, and Wheatbelt regions.
It prefers to grow in sandy soils, especially around a type of soil called laterite. The plant is found as far north as Yuna. It stretches south to areas around Goomalling and east towards Mount Holland. It typically grows in areas with low, dense bushes (scrubland) or in open woodlands.
