Rock wattle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rock wattle |
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|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Acacia
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| Species: |
rupicola
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| Occurrence data from AVH | |
The Acacia rupicola, often called rock wattle, is a type of shrub. It is part of the Acacia plant family. This plant grows naturally in the southeastern parts of Australia.
What Does Rock Wattle Look Like?
This shrub is smooth, which means it has no hairs. It can grow to be about 1 to 2.5 meters (3 to 8 feet) tall. Its branches have clear ridges. The plant does not have stipules, which are small leaf-like parts at the base of a leaf.
The Rock Wattle has special leaf-like structures called phyllodes. These are green and shaped like narrow triangles. They are about 5 to 25 millimeters long and 1.5 to 3 millimeters wide. Each phyllode has a clear line down the middle.
This plant usually blooms with yellow flowers between August and January. Sometimes, it might flower at other times of the year too.
The Rock Wattle looks a lot like another plant called Acacia ulicifolia. But you can tell them apart because the Rock Wattle often looks a bit sticky.
Where Does Rock Wattle Grow?
The Rock Wattle is a plant that is endemic to a specific area. This means it only grows naturally in this region. You can find it from the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia in the west. It stretches all the way to Bordertown and the Grampians in Victoria in the east.
It likes to grow in rocky areas near the coast. It can be found in sandy or loamy soils. Often, it grows as part of open scrub or woodland areas.
Growing Rock Wattle
You can grow Rock Wattle from its seeds or from cuttings. Cuttings are small pieces of the plant that can grow into a new plant.
This shrub is a good choice for planting under taller trees. It can grow well in dry places, whether it's sunny or shady. It also does well in rocky areas. People often plant Rock Wattle in parks, nature reserves, and along highways. It needs soil that drains water well.
Rock Wattle is known to attract both birds and insects. It can also handle drought conditions and a bit of frost.
