Curly-leaved wattle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Curly-leaved wattle |
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| Acacia sertiformis foliage and inflorescences | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Acacia
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| Species: |
sertiformis
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| Occurrence data from AVH | |
The Curly-leaved Wattle (scientific name: Acacia sertiformis) is a type of shrub. It belongs to the large Acacia family, which is also known as wattles. This plant is special because it only grows in certain parts of north-eastern Australia. It gets its common name from its unique, often curly leaves.
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What Does the Curly-leaved Wattle Look Like?
This shrub usually grows up to 2 metres (6.6 ft) tall. It has an open shape with branches that spread out and often arch downwards. Its young branches can be a bit hairy and sometimes look like they are covered in a white powder.
The leaves of the Curly-leaved Wattle are actually not true leaves. They are flattened leaf stems called phyllodes. These phyllodes are dull grey-green and spread out widely. They are often curved outwards and have a broad, round shape. Each phyllode is about 10 to 25 mm (0.39 to 0.98 in) long and 9 to 20 mm (0.35 to 0.79 in) wide.
Flowers and Seed Pods
You can find flowers on this shrub almost all year round! Its simple flowers grow in round clusters, called spherical flower-heads. Each flower-head is about 9 to 11 mm (0.35 to 0.43 in) across. They are packed with 25 to 75 bright deep yellow flowers.
After the flowers bloom, the plant forms seed pods. These pods are straight or slightly curved and are firm and leathery. They have a broad, oblong shape and are about 30 to 70 mm (1.2 to 2.8 in) long and 12 to 17 mm (0.47 to 0.67 in) wide.
How Was This Wattle Named?
The Curly-leaved Wattle was first officially described by a botanist named Allan Cunningham. He wrote about it in 1835 in a book called Botanical Magazine, which was put together by William Jackson Hooker.
Later, in 2003, another botanist named Leslie Pedley decided to move it to a different group, calling it Racosperma sertiforme. But then, in 2006, it was moved back to the Acacia group, where it is known as Acacia sertiformis today.
Where Does the Curly-leaved Wattle Grow?
This special wattle is found only in a small area of Australia. It is endemic to south-eastern Queensland and parts of New South Wales. You can find it in places like Barakula, Wallangarra, and Goombungee in Queensland. It also grows southwards down to areas around Dubbo in New South Wales.
It likes to grow in stony, sandy-loamy soils. You'll often see it in open woodlands, where Eucalyptus (gum trees) or Callitris (cypress pines) trees are common.
