Acacia polifolia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Acacia polifolia |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Acacia
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| Species: |
polifolia
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| Occurrence data from AVH | |
Acacia polifolia is a type of shrub or small tree. It belongs to a large group of plants called Acacia, also known as wattles. This plant is found naturally in parts of eastern Australia.
About Acacia polifolia
This plant usually grows as a shrub or a small tree. It can reach a height of up to 5 meters (about 16 feet). Its small branches are covered with tiny, shiny, silvery-white hairs. When new shoots appear, they often have a light golden color.
Like many Acacia plants, it doesn't have regular leaves. Instead, it has special leaf-like parts called phyllodes. These phyllodes are thin and stay green all year round. They are shaped like a narrow oval or rectangle. Each phyllode is usually 4 to 10 centimeters (about 1.5 to 4 inches) long. They are also 3 to 8 millimeters (about 0.1 to 0.3 inches) wide. These phyllodes are covered with silvery-white hairs and have one main vein.
When the plant flowers, it produces groups of flowers called inflorescences. These flower groups are shaped like a cluster. Each cluster has round flower-heads. These flower-heads contain 15 to 20 bright lemon-yellow to golden-colored flowers.
After the flowers bloom, seed pods start to form. These pods are firm but thin, like paper, or slightly leathery. They can grow up to 8 centimeters (about 3 inches) long. They are also 8 to 10 millimeters (about 0.3 to 0.4 inches) wide. The pods are smooth and have a dusty white coating. Inside the pods, there are shiny black seeds. These seeds are arranged lengthwise. They are shaped like an oval or slightly egg-shaped. Each seed is about 4 to 5 millimeters (about 0.15 to 0.2 inches) long. They also have a small, club-shaped attachment called an aril.
Where It Grows
Acacia polifolia is found in certain areas of the Great Dividing Range in Queensland, Australia. You can find it from places like Jericho and Tambo in the west. It stretches out to areas around Biloela in the east.
This plant prefers to grow in shallow, sandy soils. It is often found on or near sandstone rock formations. It grows as part of the plant communities in Eucalyptus woodlands.
