Acacia orbifolia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Acacia orbifolia |
|
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Acacia
|
| Species: |
orbifolia
|
 |
|
| Occurrence data from AVH | |
Acacia orbifolia is a type of shrub that belongs to the Acacia family, also known as wattles. It is special because it grows only in Western Australia. This means it is endemic to that area.
About the Plant
This bushy plant usually grows to be about 0.8 to 1.5 meters (2.6 to 4.9 feet) tall. It can also spread out to be up to 3 meters (9.8 feet) wide. It often forms a thick, dome-shaped bush. Its small branches are covered in white, waxy hairs.
Leaves and Flowers
The leaves of Acacia orbifolia are not typical flat leaves. Instead, they are flattened leaf stems called phyllodes. These phyllodes are round or wedge-shaped. They are about 8 to 20 millimeters long and 6 to 15 millimeters wide. Each phyllode has two thin lines running along it.
This plant blooms from July to September. It produces white, cream, or yellow flowers. The flowers grow in simple, round clusters called flower-heads. Each flower-head is about 5.5 to 7.5 millimeters across. They contain 20 to 32 flowers packed closely together.
Seed Pods
After the flowers, the plant forms seed pods. These pods are squeezed in between each seed. They are also slightly bumpy over where the seeds are. The pods can twist into one or two coils. They are usually about 2 centimeters (0.8 inches) long and 3 to 4 millimeters (0.12 to 0.16 inches) wide.
Where It Grows
Acacia orbifolia is found in the Mid West and Wheatbelt regions of Western Australia. It likes to grow on gently rolling plains, small hills, and rocky areas with a type of soil called laterite. You can find it in gravelly clay, loam, or sandy soils.
The plant is spread out in different spots. It grows as far north as Northampton. Most of the plants are found between Watheroo and Muntadgin in the south. It often grows as part of open forests where Eucalyptus trees are common.
