Narrow-winged wattle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Narrow winged wattle |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Acacia
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| Species: |
stenoptera
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| Occurrence data from AVH | |
| Synonyms | |
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Racosperma stenopterum (Benth.) Pedley |
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Acacia stenoptera, commonly called the narrow-winged wattle, is a type of wattle plant. It grows only in the southwestern part of Western Australia. This plant is special because it is endemic to this area, meaning it's found nowhere else naturally.
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What Does the Narrow-Winged Wattle Look Like?
The narrow-winged wattle is a tough and prickly shrub. It usually grows to be about 0.2 to 0.7 metres (0.7 to 2.3 ft) tall. Sometimes, it can even reach up to 2 m (7 ft) high! This plant can grow in different ways. It might spread out, scramble along the ground, or grow upright in a tangled shape.
Its stems have ridges, and its leaves are quite unique. They are actually flattened leaf-like stems called phyllodes. These phyllodes are curved, have sharp tips, and grow like continuous wings along the stem.
Flowers and Seed Pods
The narrow-winged wattle produces round, cream or yellow flowers. These flowers appear for a long time, from March all the way to December.
After the flowers bloom, the plant grows special seed pods. These pods are shaped like squares and are about 3 to 7 centimetres (1.2 to 2.8 in) long. They also have clear ridges along their sides.
How Did the Narrow-Winged Wattle Get Its Name?
The scientific naming of plants and animals is called taxonomy. It helps us understand how living things are related. The narrow-winged wattle was first officially described by a botanist named George Bentham. He did this in 1842. His description was part of a larger work by William Jackson Hooker, published in a science journal.
For a short time, the plant's name was changed to Racosperma stenopterum in 2003. This was done by another botanist, Leslie Pedley. However, in 2006, it was moved back to the Acacia group, which is its current scientific name.
Where Does the Narrow-Winged Wattle Grow?
This shrub is found in several regions of Western Australia. You can find it in the Mid West, Wheatbelt, Peel, South West, and Great Southern areas.
It grows in many different places, often in sandy soils. You might also find it growing near a type of reddish soil and rock called laterite.
