Midlands mimosa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Midlands mimosa |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Acacia
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| Species: |
axillaris
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| Occurrence data from AVH | |
Acacia axillaris, often called the midlands mimosa or midlands wattle, is a type of bush. It belongs to the Acacia plant family. This plant grows naturally in Tasmania, Australia. In 2014, scientists listed it as a vulnerable species. This means it needs protection because its numbers are getting low.
What Does the Midlands Mimosa Look Like?
This bush has many branches and can grow quite tall. It usually reaches between 2 and 4 meters (about 6 to 13 feet) high. It can grow straight up or spread out wide.
- Stems and "Leaves": The branches have tiny, lasting parts called stipules. These are very small, less than 1.2 millimeters long. Most Acacia plants, including this one, don't have true leaves. Instead, they have "phyllodes." These are like flattened leaf stems that do the job of leaves.
- Phyllodes: The phyllodes are always green and look flat and thin. They are usually 1 to 5.5 centimeters (about 0.4 to 2.2 inches) long. They are also 1 to 1.8 millimeters wide and have a sharp, pointed tip. These phyllodes are often thick and stiff. They usually have three veins on each side, with one vein standing out more than the others.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
The midlands mimosa produces bright yellow flowers. You can see these flowers between September and October. After the flowers bloom, the plant starts to form fruits in February.
- Flowers: The flowers grow in simple groups called inflorescences. These are found alone or in pairs on spikes. Each spike has small clusters of two to six flowers, and each flower is less than 6 millimeters long.
- Seed Pods: After flowering, the plant grows seed pods. These pods can be shaped like a cylinder or look like a string of beads. They are usually 2 to 8 centimeters (about 0.8 to 3.1 inches) long. The pods are 2 to 3.5 millimeters wide. Inside, they hold seeds that are oval or cylinder-shaped, about 4 to 4.5 millimeters long.
Where Does the Midlands Wattle Grow?
This bush mainly grows in the farming areas of the Midlands in Tasmania. You can find it in low-lying pastures in north-eastern Central Tasmania. It also grows on Mount Barrow, which is a colder, subalpine area in north-eastern Tasmania.
The plant is found in five main places:
- Mount Barrow
- Areas around the Elizabeth River
- St Paul River
- Dukes River
- Lake River
Scientists know of about 45,000 individual plants spread across 18 different groups.
