Bowyakka facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bowyakka |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Acacia
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| Species: |
microsperma
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| Occurrence data from AVH | |
The Acacia microsperma, also known as bowyakka, is a type of shrub or small tree. It belongs to the Acacia plant family. This plant is special because it is found only in certain parts of eastern Australia. It is considered a plant of "least concern" for conservation, meaning it's not currently endangered.
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What Does Bowyakka Look Like?
The bowyakka tree can grow quite tall, up to about 10 m (33 ft) (about 33 feet). Its branches are a bit scaly and might have some fine hairs.
- Leaves: Instead of regular leaves, most Acacia plants, including the bowyakka, have what are called phyllodes. These are flattened leaf stalks that act like leaves. The bowyakka's phyllodes are green to grey-green and slightly hairy. They are long and straight, about 7 to 14 cm (2.8 to 5.5 in) (3 to 5.5 inches) long and very narrow, only 1.5 to 4 mm (0.059 to 0.157 in) (0.06 to 0.16 inches) wide. They have many faint lines running along them.
- Flowers: When the bowyakka blooms, it produces groups of small, round flower-heads. These flower-heads are about 4 to 5 mm (0.16 to 0.20 in) (0.16 to 0.2 inches) across and are filled with 20 to 40 bright golden flowers.
- Seed Pods: After the flowers, the plant forms firm, papery seed pods. These pods look a bit like a string of beads. They are straight, up to 6 cm (2.4 in) (2.4 inches) long and 2 to 3 mm (0.079 to 0.118 in) (0.08 to 0.12 inches) wide, with a few scattered hairs. Inside these pods are brown seeds. The seeds are oval-shaped, about 2.5 to 4 mm (0.098 to 0.157 in) (0.1 to 0.16 inches) long, and have a fleshy, folded part called an aril attached to them.
How Was Bowyakka Named?
The bowyakka was first officially described by a botanist named Leslie Pedley in 1974. Botanists are scientists who study plants. He wrote about it in a scientific publication. Later, in 1987, Pedley changed its scientific name to Racosperma microspermum. However, in 2001, it was moved back to the Acacia group, which is where it is known today.
Where Does Bowyakka Grow?
The bowyakka is found in different spots across southern Queensland, a state in eastern Australia. Its range stretches from places like Adavale in the northwest down to the New South Wales border near Talwood.
It likes to grow in clay or shallow loamy soils, which are soils with a good mix of sand, silt, and clay. You can often find it in open woodlands, growing alongside other trees like Acacia cambagei or Eucalyptus thozetiana. Sometimes, it even forms thick groups of its own.
Images for kids
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Occurrence data from AVH
