Veiny wattle facts for kids
The Veiny Wattle (scientific name: Acacia venulosa) is a type of shrub that belongs to the Acacia plant family. It's also known as the Veined Wattle. This plant is special because it's endemic, meaning it only grows naturally in a specific part of eastern Australia.
Quick facts for kids Veiny wattle |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Acacia
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| Species: |
venulosa
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| Occurrence data from AVH | |
Contents
What the Veiny Wattle Looks Like
This shrub usually grows between 0.5 and 3 meters (about 1.5 to 10 feet) tall. Its branches have ribs and are covered in sticky, reddish-brown to black hairs.
Like most Acacia plants, the Veiny Wattle doesn't have true leaves. Instead, it has special flattened stems called phyllodes. These phyllodes are thin, leathery, and usually smooth. They can be straight or slightly curved.
Each phyllode is about 5 to 9 centimeters (2 to 3.5 inches) long and 4 to 15 millimeters (0.15 to 0.6 inches) wide. They have three main veins and many smaller veins running along them. The phyllodes also have a sharp, pointed tip. This plant blooms with flowers between June and November.
How the Veiny Wattle Got Its Name
The Veiny Wattle was first officially described by a botanist named George Bentham in 1842. He wrote about it in a scientific paper called Notes on Mimoseae, with a synopsis of species.
Later, in 1987, another botanist named Leslie Pedley changed its name to Racosperma venulosum. However, in 2006, scientists decided to move it back to the Acacia group. Another old name for this plant was Acacia lanigera var. venulosa.
Where the Veiny Wattle Grows
This plant is native to southeastern Queensland and northeastern New South Wales in Australia.
In New South Wales, you can find it north of Corindi Beach. It also grows in the Northern Tablelands area, near places like Armidale. You might also see it on the northwestern slopes around Howell.
The Veiny Wattle likes to grow in rocky and sandy soils. It's often found near areas with granite and sandstone rocks. It lives in open Eucalyptus forests, woodlands, and heathland areas.
Growing Veiny Wattle Plants
You can buy the seeds of the Veiny Wattle. People use them for planting in areas that need new vegetation. They also grow it as an ornamental plant because it looks nice. Sometimes, the seeds need a special treatment before they can sprout.
