Port Lincoln wattle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Port Lincoln wattle |
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| Acacia anceps habit | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Acacia
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| Species: |
anceps
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| Occurrence data from AVH | |
The Port Lincoln Wattle (also known as Acacia anceps) is a cool shrub that grows in Australia. It's part of the Acacia family, which includes many types of wattles. People sometimes call it the "two-edged wattle" too!
What Does the Port Lincoln Wattle Look Like?
This bushy plant usually grows to be about 1 to 3 meters (3 to 10 feet) tall. Its branches spread out, making the plant about 1 to 3 meters wide. The branches stand up straight and are smooth.
- Flowers: The Port Lincoln Wattle has bright yellow flowers. They bloom for a long time, from September all the way to February.
- Leaves (Phyllodes): Instead of true leaves, this wattle has special flattened stems called phyllodes. They are thick and stiff. They can be long and narrow or wider at the top, like an oval. Each phyllode grows to about 5 centimeters (2 inches) long and 3.5 centimeters (1.4 inches) wide.
- Seed Pods: After the flowers fade, the plant grows seed pods. These pods are reddish-brown and can be flat or slightly wavy. They are about 5 centimeters (2 inches) long and 1.2 centimeters (0.5 inches) wide. Inside, you'll find dark brown or spotted seeds that are shaped like an oval.
Where Does the Port Lincoln Wattle Grow?
This wattle is found along the southern coast of Australia. You can see it in the Goldfields-Esperance region of Western Australia. It also grows along the coast of South Australia, reaching as far east as the Eyre Peninsula.
It likes to grow in sandy soils that have a lot of calcium carbonate (like limestone). It also grows well in shallow, reddish-brown sandy soils. You'll often find it as part of the plants that grow on coastal sand dunes or in open scrub areas.
How to Grow Port Lincoln Wattle
The Port Lincoln Wattle is a popular plant to grow in gardens, especially near the coast. It's often planted to help block the wind.
- How to Plant: You can grow new plants from seeds or from cuttings (small pieces of the plant).
- Soil Needs: It needs soil that drains water away easily.
- Sunlight: This wattle can handle lots of sun or a little bit of shade.
- Water: It's a tough plant and can handle dry periods, so it's drought tolerant.
