Hop mulga facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hop mulga |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Acacia
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| Species: |
craspedocarpa
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| Occurrence data from AVH | |
Acacia craspedocarpa, often called hop mulga or broad-leaved mulga, is a type of shrub or small tree. It belongs to the Fabaceae family, which includes peas and beans. This plant grows naturally in the central parts of western Australia.
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What is Hop Mulga?
Hop mulga is a shrub or tree that can grow from about 1.2 to 4 meters tall. Some can even reach up to 8 meters! It has bark that feels like cork. Its new branches are reddish-brown and can be a bit sticky.
Leaves and Flowers
Like many Acacia plants, the hop mulga has special leaf-like parts called phyllodes instead of true leaves. These phyllodes are thick and have a bluish-green color. They are usually 1.5 to 2.5 centimeters long and 8 to 12 millimeters wide. They are often round or oval-shaped with a rounded tip. Each phyllode usually has three main lines running along its length.
The plant produces simple flowers that grow in groups. These groups are shaped like cylinders, about 12 to 20 millimeters long and 5 millimeters wide. They are packed with bright yellow flowers.
Seed Pods
After the flowers bloom, the plant forms wide, flat seed pods. These pods look a lot like the pods from the hop plant, which is how the hop mulga got its name!
Where Does Hop Mulga Grow?
The hop mulga is a plant that is only found in certain areas. It grows in dry and semi-dry parts of Western Australia. You can find it in places like the Mid West and western Goldfields regions.
It often grows near water, such as in riverbeds, on floodplains, or in low-lying areas. It prefers red clay or loamy soils, or stony red earth.
Growing Hop Mulga
This plant is often grown for its beauty. It is a medium to tall plant that you can buy from nurseries. It grows well in many types of soil, from light to heavy, as long as the soil drains water well.
Hop mulga likes full sun or a little bit of shade. Once it is established, it can handle very dry conditions. It can also survive a light frost, down to about -8 degrees Celsius. This plant lives for a long time and can even grow well in a large pot or container.
