Quorn wattle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Quorn wattle |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Acacia
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| Species: |
quornensis
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| Occurrence data from AVH | |
The Acacia quornensis, often called Quorn wattle, is a type of shrub. It belongs to the Acacia family and is found naturally in southern Australia.
Contents
What is the Quorn Wattle?
This shrub usually grows to be about 2 to 3 meters (6.5 to 10 feet) tall. It has a bushy shape that spreads out. Its branches are a dark reddish-brown color and are smooth (meaning they don't have hairs). The leaves, which are actually flattened leaf stems called phyllodes, are a pale green. They are long and narrow, shaped like an ellipse or a spear.
Leaves and Flowers
The special leaves (phyllodes) are a bit blue-green and measure about 2 to 5.5 centimeters (0.8 to 2.2 inches) long and 4 to 10 millimeters (0.16 to 0.4 inches) wide. They have pointed tips. The main vein in the leaf is slightly off-center, and other smaller veins are hard to see.
The Quorn wattle blooms between September and November. Its flowers grow in clusters that look like round balls. Each flower cluster has 8 to 15 light golden flowers packed together.
Seed Pods and Seeds
After the flowers bloom, light brown seed pods form. These pods are smooth and firm, but not too thick. They are long and narrow, growing up to 13 centimeters (5 inches) long and 8 to 9 millimeters (0.3 to 0.35 inches) wide. Inside the pods, the seeds are arranged lengthwise. The seeds themselves are hard, slightly shiny, and black. They are oblong (oval-shaped) and about 5 to 6 millimeters (0.2 to 0.24 inches) long. Each seed has a brittle, dark reddish attachment called an aril.
Where Does the Quorn Wattle Live?
The Quorn wattle is found only in a small part of the Flinders Ranges in South Australia. This area stretches from the town of Quorn to Hawker.
It grows on the lower parts of the hills and in rocky valleys. It prefers chalky, loamy soils. You can find it as part of low woodland areas where Callitris glaucophylla trees are common. While it's common in its specific local area, it's considered a rare plant in South Australia overall.
How is the Quorn Wattle Classified?
The Quorn wattle belongs to a group of Acacias that are similar to Acacia microbotrya. It is also quite closely related to Acacia wattsiana. The second part of its scientific name, quornensis, tells us where the first plant specimen was collected for study. It was found on a hill near the town of Quorn.
