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Acacia dunnii

Scientific Name: Acacia dunnii

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Acacia dunnii: The Elephant Ear Wattle

Acacia dunnii, commonly known as the Elephant Ear Wattle, is a striking plant admired for its large phyllodes and vibrant flowers. This species is native to Western Australia and is often grown as an ornamental plant.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant is sometimes found in gardens.
  • Has pods that can be ingested.

Scientific Name and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Acacia dunnii
  • Common Names: Elephant Ear Wattle, Dunn's Wattle

Taxonomy and Classification

  • Family: Fabaceae (Mimosaceae is also mentioned)
  • Kingdom: (Not explicitly stated, but assumed to be Plantae)
  • Synonyms: The original description was by Joseph Henry Maiden, later reclassified by William Bertram Turrill.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to Western Australia.
  • Grows in dry regions in open woodlands.

Morphological Characteristics

  • A single-stemmed shrub or small tree, typically reaching 4-7 meters in height and 2-4 meters in width.
  • Characterized by large, falcate (sickle-shaped), glaucous (bluish-grey) phyllodes that can grow up to 30 cm long and 20 cm wide. It has the largest phyllodes of all Acacias.
  • Branchlets are terete (cylindrical and smooth).
  • Produces bright yellow, pom-pom-like flowers, approximately 2 cm in diameter.
  • Giant grey leaves on a greyish/white stem.

Flowering

  • Bright yellow flowers.
  • Flowers most of the year, particularly in winter.

Ecological Role

  • Fire responses of Acacia dunnii have been documented in the Tropical Savannas Fire Response Database.

Quirky Facts

  • The Elephant Ear Wattle boasts the largest phyllodes among all Acacia species.

Further Resources

  • Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN), U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service.
  • Australian National Botanic Gardens (multiple links provided).
  • Tropical Savannas Fire Response Database.
  • B and T World Seeds' database.
  • European Patent Convention (EPC) database.
  • The Plant List, IPNI, Australian Plant Name Index, NYBG Virtual Herbarium.
  • Discover Life.
  • Dave's Garden.