Cinnamon wattle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cinnamon wattle |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| An Acacia leprosa tree found at Longwood Gardens | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Acacia
|
| Species: |
leprosa
|
 |
|
| Occurrence data from AVH | |
The Cinnamon Wattle, also known as Acacia leprosa, is a type of acacia plant. It grows naturally in Australia. You can find it in woodlands in New South Wales and Victoria. This plant can be a tough shrub or a small tree.
Its leaves are actually modified flat structures called phyllodes. These phyllodes are 3 to 14 centimeters long. They also have special oil glands. The flowers are bright lemon-yellow. They grow in round clusters near where the leaves join the stem. After flowering, the plant produces flat seed pods.
Contents
Types of Cinnamon Wattle
Scientists have found different types, or varieties, of the Cinnamon Wattle. These varieties are all part of the same Acacia leprosa species.
- A. leprosa var. crassipoda - Found in the Pyrenees Range in Victoria.
- A. leprosa var. graveolens - This type was once known as Acacia verniciflua (Southern variant). It is found near the Gippsland Lakes.
- A. leprosa var. leprosa - This is the main type of Cinnamon Wattle.
- A. leprosa var. magna - Found near Cape Otway in Victoria.
- A. leprosa var. uninervia - This type was once called A. leprosa (large phyllode variant). It grows near Healesville, Victoria.
Special Red Wattle: 'Scarlet Blaze'
One very special type of Cinnamon Wattle is called Acacia leprosa 'Scarlet Blaze'. It is the only Australian wattle known to have red flowers! Most wattles have yellow or cream-colored flowers. There is one other wattle, Acacia purpureapetala, that has purple flowers.
'Scarlet Blaze' was found in 1995. It was discovered northeast of Melbourne, Australia. This unique plant became available for sale in 2001.
Growing Cinnamon Wattle
The Cinnamon Wattle is a good plant for gardens. It likes places with lots of sunshine or a little bit of shade. It also needs soil that drains water well. You can grow new plants from seeds or from cuttings. Seeds need to be treated first to help them sprout.
Images for kids
-
An Acacia leprosa tree
