Fringed wattle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fringed wattle |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Acacia
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| Species: |
fimbriata
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| Occurrence data from AVH | |
The Acacia fimbriata, often called the fringed wattle or Brisbane golden wattle, is a beautiful shrub or small tree. It's a type of Acacia plant that grows naturally along the eastern coast of Australia.
Contents
What Does the Fringed Wattle Look Like?
This plant can grow straight up or spread out. It usually reaches a height of about 6 to 7 meters (around 20 to 23 feet). It can also spread out to be about 6 meters (20 feet) wide.
Its branches are often angled or a bit flat. The leaves, which are actually flattened leaf stems called phyllodes, are long and narrow. They can be straight or slightly curved. These phyllodes are usually 2 to 5 centimeters (about 1 to 2 inches) long and 2 to 7 millimeters (less than an inch) wide.
Flowers and Seed Pods
The fringed wattle blooms between July and November. It produces many bright yellow, or sometimes pale yellow, flowers. These flowers grow in round clusters, like little balls, that are 3 to 5 millimeters across. Each cluster has about 10 to 20 tiny flowers.
After the flowers, flat, firm seed pods grow. They are usually straight or slightly curved and have straight sides. These pods are 3 to 9.5 centimeters (about 1 to 4 inches) long and 5 to 8.5 millimeters (less than half an inch) wide. Inside the pods, you'll find shiny black seeds. The seeds are shaped like oblong ovals and are 4 to 5 millimeters long. Each seed has a small, club-shaped attachment called an aril.
Naming the Fringed Wattle
The fringed wattle was officially described by a botanist named George Don in 1832. He included it in his book A General History of Dichlamydeous Plants. Later, in 1987, another botanist, Leslie Pedley, reclassified it. However, in 2006, it was moved back into the Acacia group.
The very first sample of this plant, known as the type specimen, was collected by Allan Cunningham in 1832. He found it growing along the Brisbane River.
Where Does the Fringed Wattle Grow?
You can commonly find the fringed wattle in coastal areas and the nearby tablelands of New South Wales and Queensland. In New South Wales, it grows from Nerriga in the south, stretching west to Inverell, and north across the Queensland border. In Queensland, it can be found as far north as Yeppoon and the Carnarvon National Park.
This plant often grows along rocky streams. It's usually part of Eucalyptus woodland communities, where it thrives in rocky and sandy soils. In more northern areas, you might also see it growing at the edges of rainforests.
Growing Your Own Fringed Wattle
You can buy seeds of the fringed wattle if you want to grow it. It makes a great plant for a hedge or for screening, which means it can create a natural fence or privacy screen.
This plant needs enough water to grow well. It's quite tough and can handle different conditions. You can plant it in a tropical environment, and it can even survive frost.
