Curly bark tree facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Curly bark tree |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Acacia
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| Species: |
trachycarpa
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| Occurrence data from AVH | |
The Acacia trachycarpa, also known as the curly-bark tree or minni ritchi, is a special kind of shrub or tree. It belongs to the Acacia family. You can find it growing in dry and semi-dry parts of Western Australia.
Contents
What Does It Look Like?
This tree or bush spreads out and usually grows 1 to 4 meters (about 3 to 13 feet) tall. Some can even reach 6 meters (about 20 feet)! Its top part, called the crown, often spreads wide or can sometimes be flat.
Its Unique Bark
The bark of the curly-bark tree is a beautiful reddish-brown color. It peels off the trunk and branches in thin strips. These strips curl backwards, which is how the tree got its name!
Leaves and Flowers
The leaves of this plant are called phyllodes. They are long and thin, like narrow lines. They are usually 4 to 10 centimeters (about 1.5 to 4 inches) long and less than 2 millimeters wide. Some types have longer, wider leaves. These dull green leaves are soft and can be straight, slightly curved, or even wavy. The tip of each leaf ends in a sharp point.
The curly-bark tree blooms with bright yellow flowers from April to October. These flowers grow in long spikes, about 9 to 30 centimeters (about 3.5 to 12 inches) long.
Seed Pods
After the flowers, the tree grows seed pods. These pods are flat and long, about 7 to 11 centimeters (about 2.5 to 4.5 inches) long and 7 to 12 millimeters wide. They are shiny brown and often have a sticky feel. Inside, the seeds are dark brown to black and shaped like small balls.
Where Does It Grow?
The curly-bark tree is found only in certain areas of Western Australia. These areas include the Kimberley, Goldfields, and Pilbara regions. It usually grows near creeks and rivers in sandy, stony soils.
You'll often see it west of the Hamersley Range. It can sometimes form thick groups of trees on coastal sandplains in the Pilbara region. It often grows alongside other Acacia trees like the Acacia pyrifolia and Acacia coriacea.
Growing Your Own Curly-Bark Tree
You can buy seeds or young plants of the curly-bark tree. It's known to be a moderately fast-growing shrub or tree with many stems. It can handle dry conditions well and prefers soil that drains easily. It likes to grow in full sun or partial shade. If you plant seeds, it's a good idea to treat them with hot water first.
