Acacia preissiana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Acacia preissiana |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Acacia
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| Species: |
preissiana
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| Occurrence data from AVH | |
Acacia preissiana is a type of shrub that belongs to the Acacia family, also known as wattles. It is found only in the southwestern part of Australia. This means it's a special plant that naturally grows nowhere else in the world!
Contents
About the Acacia preissiana Shrub
This plant is a low, bushy shrub with many stems. It usually grows to be about 5 to 35 centimeters (2 to 14 inches) tall. It often spreads out close to the ground.
Special Features of the Plant
- It has a special woody swelling underground called a lignotuber. This helps it survive fires and grow back.
- Its small branches are a bit hairy.
- The plant has small leaf-like parts called stipules, which are shaped like oblongs or wide ovals.
Leaves and Flowers
The leaves of Acacia preissiana are made up of two or three pairs of smaller leaf sections called pinnae.
- The pinnae closer to the stem are 3 to 7 millimeters long.
- The pinnae further away are 7 to 20 millimeters long.
- Each of these pinnae is also divided into even smaller parts called pinnules.
- The pinnules are usually 4 to 6 millimeters long and about 1 millimeter wide.
This shrub blooms from November to January. During this time, it produces bright yellow flowers.
Why is it Called Acacia preissiana?
The name Acacia preissiana has a history!
- In 1842, a scientist named Carl Meissner first described this plant. He called it Acacia obscura var. preissiana. The "var." means it was considered a variety of another plant.
- Then, in 1975, another scientist named Bruce Maslin decided it was unique enough to be its own species. He officially named it Acacia preissiana.
Where Acacia preissiana Grows
This plant is found in the southwestern part of Western Australia. It grows in areas like the South West, Peel, and Great Southern regions.
Favorite Growing Spots
- It commonly grows in soils that contain laterite. Laterite is a type of soil rich in iron and aluminum.
- The plant's natural range stretches from north of Bindoon all the way down to the Whicher Range in the south.
- It has also been found near Albany.
- Acacia preissiana often grows as part of forest communities. These forests are usually made up of Eucalyptus marginata or Eucalyptus wandoo trees.
