Hard-leaf wattle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hard-leaf wattle |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Acacia
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| Species: |
sclerophylla
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| Occurrence data from AVH | |
The Acacia sclerophylla, commonly called the hard-leaf wattle, is a type of shrub that belongs to the Acacia family. It's a special plant because it only grows naturally in the southern parts of Australia.
Contents
What it Looks Like
This shrub usually grows to be about 0.2 to 2.5 metres (1 to 8 ft) tall, which is like a small bush or a tall person. It can also spread out to about 3 m (9.8 ft) wide. The hard-leaf wattle has shiny green leaves that are shaped a bit like a spear, and they can feel a little sticky. These leaves, called phyllodes, stand upright and are usually straight or slightly curved. They can be anywhere from 1 to 6 cm (0.39 to 2.36 in) long and 1 to 5 mm (0.039 to 0.197 in) wide.
Flowers and Seed Pods
The hard-leaf wattle blooms between August and October, showing off bright yellow flowers. These golden-yellow, round flowers grow in big groups where the leaves meet the stem. Each flower cluster, called an inflorescence, is small, about 3 to 4 mm (0.12 to 0.16 in) across, and has 12 to 20 tiny flowers in it.
After the flowers are gone, long, thin seed pods start to form. These pods can be straight, curved, or even coiled up. They grow to about 6 cm (2.4 in) long and 2 to 3 mm (0.079 to 0.118 in) wide. Inside these pods are seeds that are shaped like small oblong or oval beans.
How it Was Named
The hard-leaf wattle was first officially described by a botanist named John Lindley in 1838. He wrote about it in a book called Three Expeditions into the interior of Eastern Australia, which was part of Thomas Mitchell's work.
For a short time in 2003, another botanist, Leslie Pedley, changed its name to Racosperma sclerophyllum. But then, in 2006, it was changed back to its original name, Acacia sclerophylla, in the Acacia group.
Different Types
There are three known types, or varieties, of the hard-leaf wattle:
- Acacia sclerophylla var. pilosa
- Acacia sclerophylla var. sclerophylla
- Acacia sclerophylla var. teretiuscula
Where it Grows
This wattle plant is native to several areas in Australia. You can find it in the southern parts of South Australia and Victoria. It also grows in the Wheatbelt and Goldfields-Esperance regions of Western Australia. You might also spot it in the southeastern parts of New South Wales.
Growing This Plant
The hard-leaf wattle is a tough and pretty plant that's often used for planting along roadsides, especially with a method called hydroseeding (which is like spraying seeds onto the ground). It can grow well in many different types of soil.
This plant doesn't need much looking after. It can handle dry weather, so it's good if there's not much rain. It's also strong against frost, meaning it can survive cold temperatures down to about 7 °C (45 °F).
