Acacia pachycarpa facts for kids
Acacia pachycarpa is a special kind of tree or shrub. It belongs to a big group of plants called Acacias. You can find this plant only in certain parts of central and western Australia. It's known for its unique look!
Quick facts for kids Acacia pachycarpa |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Acacia
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| Species: |
pachycarpa
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| Occurrence data from AVH | |
Contents
What Does Acacia pachycarpa Look Like?
This plant can be a tree or a tall, bushy shrub. It usually grows about 2 to 6 meters (6.5 to 20 feet) tall. Its branches and leaf-like parts often hang downwards, which is called a pendulous habit.
It can have one main stem or many stems. If it grows in good conditions, it can form a large, wide top, like a crown. The bark on its main stems is hard and dark grey with grooves. On the upper branches, the bark is smooth and light grey.
The branches are grey, brittle, and glabrous. This means they are smooth and have no hairs.
Leaves and Flowers
Like most Acacia species, this plant doesn't have true leaves. Instead, it has special leaf-like parts called phyllodes. These phyllodes are always green. They look like broad lines or narrow oval shapes.
Each phyllode is about 13 to 34 centimeters (5 to 13 inches) long. They are also 6 to 20 millimeters (0.2 to 0.8 inches) wide. They are thin but tough, feeling a bit like leather. They are straight or slightly curved and smooth.
Each phyllode has one to five main lines, or nerves, running along it. There are also many smaller lines that are hard to see. Acacia pachycarpa produces cream-white flowers. These flowers usually appear from May to June.
Where Does Acacia pachycarpa Grow?
This plant is found naturally in the Pilbara and Kimberley regions of Western Australia. Its range also stretches into the western parts of the Top End and central areas of the Northern Territory.
It grows in scattered spots. Most of these plants are found in the Tanami Desert. This desert crosses the border between Western Australia and the Northern Territory. You can also find smaller groups of them near Onslow. These include areas from Yanrey Station to Minderoo Station, and around Telfer.
Preferred Habitats
Acacia pachycarpa often grows in places where the ground cracks, like in clay pans. It also likes clay dips along natural water paths. Sometimes, it grows in sandy soil near small streams. You might also find it in clay or sandy loam soils.
