Central Ranges wattle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Central Ranges wattle |
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|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Acacia
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| Species: |
tenuior
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The Central Ranges wattle (scientific name: Acacia tenuior) is a special type of shrub. It belongs to the large Acacia family, which is also known as wattles. This plant is only found in a small part of central Australia, which means it's endemic there. It's quite rare, especially in South Australia.
Contents
What Does the Central Ranges Wattle Look Like?
This wattle is a shrub that can grow up to about 2 meters (about 6.5 feet) tall. Its young stems have clear ridges and are often a bit hairy. As the plant gets older, these stems become smooth.
Unique Leaves and Flowers
Like many Acacia plants, the Central Ranges wattle doesn't have typical leaves. Instead, it has what are called phyllodes. These are flattened leaf stems that act like leaves. The phyllodes of this wattle are long and thin, like threads. They are usually straight or slightly curved. Each one is about 8 to 14 centimeters (3 to 5.5 inches) long and only about 1 millimeter wide. They have eight clear lines, or nerves, running along them with deep grooves in between.
When the Central Ranges wattle blooms, it produces bright yellow flowers. These flowers grow in round clusters, with about 25 to 30 flowers in each ball-shaped head. These flower clusters appear alone or in pairs where the phyllodes meet the stems.
Seeds and Seed Pods
After the flowers bloom, the plant forms flat, leathery seed pods. These pods are usually a bit hairy and have a long, narrow shape. They can grow up to 10 centimeters (about 4 inches) long and are about 6 to 8 millimeters wide. Inside these pods, the seeds are arranged lengthwise.
Where Does the Central Ranges Wattle Grow?
The Central Ranges wattle is found in a few scattered spots in central Australia. You can find it in the northwestern part of South Australia and the southeastern part of the Northern Territory.
Specific Locations and Habitat
Some places where this wattle grows include the Musgrave Ranges, near areas like Mount Woodroffe and Jacky's Pass. The very first sample of this plant was collected here in 1903 by Herbert Basedow. It also grows in the Mann Ranges, around Mount Mann.
These shrubs usually grow at high altitudes, often around 1,200 meters (about 3,900 feet) above sea level. They prefer to grow on rocky ground made of granite or gneiss. You can often spot them in the heads of gullies or along natural water channels. They tend to grow on the southern sides of slopes and in areas that are protected from fires.
