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Acacia scalpelliformis facts for kids

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Acacia scalpelliformis
Iconography of Australian species of Acacia and cognate genera (1887) (20769210952).jpg
Sketch from Iconography of Australian species of Acacia and cognate genera
Scientific classification
Genus:
Acacia
Species:
scalpelliformis

The Acacia scalpelliformis is a type of shrub. It belongs to the large group of plants known as Acacia, often called wattles. This special plant is found only in the southwestern part of Australia. When a plant or animal is found only in one specific area, it is called endemic.

What is Acacia scalpelliformis?

This prickly shrub usually grows between 0.5 and 2 meters (about 1.5 to 6.5 feet) tall. It stands up straight and has a unique look.

Its Leaves and Flowers

The Acacia scalpelliformis looks a bit like another plant called Acacia urophylla. However, it has some small differences. Its leaf-like parts are called phyllodes. These phyllodes are shaped a bit like a small shovel. They have a special angle where a gland is located.

The phyllodes are about 2.5 to 4 centimeters (1 to 1.5 inches) long. They are also about 6 to 10 millimeters (0.2 to 0.4 inches) wide. Each phyllode has two main veins that are easy to see. It also has a few smaller veins. In September, this plant produces bright yellow flowers.

How it Got its Name

Scientists give every living thing a special name. This helps them organize and study plants and animals. The Acacia scalpelliformis was first officially described by a botanist named Carl Meissner. He wrote about it in 1848. This description was part of a larger work by Johann Georg Christian Lehmann called Plantae Preissianae. This plant is also related to a group of plants known as the Acacia myrtifolia group.

Where it Grows

The Acacia scalpelliformis is native to a specific part of Western Australia. It grows along the south coast in the South West and Great Southern regions. You can find it between Augusta in the west and Denmark in the east.

This plant likes damp areas. It is often found scattered among many other Acacia urophylla plants. Its distribution stretches from around Augusta in the southwest to areas like Pemberton and Manjimup in the north. It also grows around Mount Chudalup in the east.

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