Shaggy wattle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Shaggy wattle |
|
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Acacia
|
| Species: |
lasiocalyx
|
 |
|
| Occurrence data from AVH | |
The Shaggy Wattle (Acacia lasiocalyx) is a type of tree or large bush. People also call it the Silver Wattle. It belongs to a big family of plants called Acacia, which are known for their beautiful flowers.
Contents
About the Shaggy Wattle
Scientists group living things together based on how they are related. This helps us understand them better. The Shaggy Wattle is part of the Acacia family.
It has some plant cousins, like Acacia conniana. This cousin has slightly different branches, shorter leaves (called phyllodes), and smaller seed pods. Other relatives include A. anastema and A. longiphyllodinea.
The Noongar people, who are the traditional owners of the land where this tree grows, call it wilyurwur.
What the Shaggy Wattle Looks Like
This tree or bush often has an open, sometimes drooping, shape. It usually grows to be about 1.5 to 7 meters (5 to 23 feet) tall. Some very old trees can even reach 25 meters (82 feet) high!
The Shaggy Wattle blooms from July to October. During this time, it produces bright yellow flowers.
Its leaves are actually special flattened stems called phyllodes. They are about 25 centimeters (10 inches) long and gently curve. Each one ends with a small hooked point.
The flowers grow in dense, golden spikes. These spikes are about 20 to 40 millimeters (0.8 to 1.6 inches) long and 6 to 7 millimeters (0.2 to 0.3 inches) wide.
After flowering, the tree produces long, straight or slightly curved seed pods. These pods can be up to 16 centimeters (6 inches) long and about 5.5 millimeters (0.2 inches) wide. Inside, they hold elliptic (oval-shaped) seeds.
Where the Shaggy Wattle Grows
The Shaggy Wattle is native to a large part of Western Australia. You can find it in regions like the Wheatbelt, Goldfields-Esperance, and Great Southern.
Its range stretches from Eneabba in the north, down to Bremer Bay in the south. It also grows as far east as Kalgoorlie.
This plant often grows in thick groups, especially around large rock formations called granite outcrops.
How the Shaggy Wattle Survives
The Shaggy Wattle has strong, fibrous wood. It is very good at living in dry, arid places.
After a bushfire, this tree grows back very well. Many new trees sprout up, forming dense thickets that can be about 4 meters (13 feet) tall. Over many years, these thickets become less dense as some trees grow taller, sometimes reaching 25 meters (82 feet).
