Simmons wattle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Simmons wattle |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Acacia
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| Species: |
simmonsiana
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| Occurrence data from AVH | |
The Simmons wattle (also called desert manna wattle) is a type of shrub. Its scientific name is Acacia simmonsiana. This plant is part of the Acacia family, which includes many wattle trees. It grows naturally in southeastern Australia.
What the Simmons Wattle Looks Like
This shrub usually grows to be about 2 to 3 metres (6.6 to 9.8 ft) tall. It has a full, rounded shape and spreads out. Its branches are smooth (this means they are glabrous). The tips of the branches are often angled or flat. Small leaf-like parts called stipules, about 2 to 5 mm (0.079 to 0.197 in) long, grow on the branches.
The bark of the Simmons wattle is dark greyish-brown. It can be smooth or have small cracks. The leaves, called phyllodes, are green and smooth. They are shaped like a spear or sometimes a narrow oval. These phyllodes are mostly straight or slightly curved. They are 1.5 to 5 cm (0.59 to 1.97 in) long and 2 to 7 mm (0.079 to 0.276 in) wide. Each phyllode has a clear line down the middle.
The Simmons wattle blooms, or flowers, between September and October. Its flowers grow in small, round clusters. These clusters are called inflorescences. They appear alone or in pairs where the leaves meet the stem (this spot is called the axil). Each flower cluster is 3 to 7 mm (0.12 to 0.28 in) across. They contain 28 to 55 bright yellow flowers.
After the flowers, seed pods grow. These pods are firm but thin, like paper. They are curved or openly coiled. The seed pods are 4 to 6 cm (1.6 to 2.4 in) long and 1.5 to 3 mm (0.059 to 0.118 in) wide.
How the Simmons Wattle Got Its Name
Scientists Michael O'Leary and Bruce Maslin first officially described this plant in 2002. They wrote about it in a scientific paper. The plant's specific name, simmonsiana, honors Marion and John Simmons. They are a couple who have done a lot to promote and write about Acacias. They have also been very involved with the Australian Plant Society.
Where the Simmons Wattle Grows
The Simmons wattle grows only in certain areas (this is called being endemic). Most of these plants are found in a large region of southeastern Australia. You can find them from around Kangaroo Island to Bordertown in South Australia. They also grow in the Little Desert and Big Desert areas of northwestern Victoria. The plant's range extends into south-central parts of New South Wales, near West Wyalong.
It often grows in hilly areas, especially in low spots. It prefers loamy soils, which are a mix of sand, silt, and clay, usually over limestone. You can find it in open scrubland or in areas with mallee trees.
