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Acacia myrtifolia

Scientific Name: Acacia myrtifolia

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Acacia myrtifolia

Acacia myrtifolia, commonly known as Myrtle Wattle or Red-stemmed Wattle, is a species of Acacia native to Australia.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant is a shrub with reddish stems, which might be attractive to pets.
  • Some forms are almost prostrate (grow along the ground), which might make them more accessible.

Considerations for Children

  • This plant is a shrub with reddish stems, which might be attractive to children.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Acacia myrtifolia (Sm.) Willd.
  • Family: Fabaceae (also referred to as Mimosaceae)
  • Synonyms:
    • Mimosa myrtifolia (historical name)
    • Acacia abyssinica Hochst. ex Benth.
    • Acacia acutifolia Maiden & Blakeley
    • Acacia marginata R.Br.
    • Acacia marginata var. brevifolia Regel APNI
    • Acacia myrtifolia var. angustifolia (Benth.) Benth. APNI
    • Acacia myrtifolia fo. angustifolia Benth. (Basionym)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to Australia.
  • Occurs naturally in every state in Australia, typically in higher rainfall areas.
  • Found as an open understory shrub in forests.
  • Common in dry heaths and woodlands.
  • Specifically mentioned location: Huskisson, NSW (sighting).
  • Origin: Western Australia

Morphological Characteristics

  • Usually a shrub from 1 to 2 metres high by a similar width.
  • Some almost prostrate forms exist.
  • Rounded shrub varying in height from 1-2.5 m with compact growth.
  • Elliptical, dark green phyllodes.
  • Reddish stems.
  • Flowers are light to deep yellow balls appearing in clusters from winter to summer.
  • Glabrous (smooth).
  • Height is often between 0.3m - 1.0m (30-100cm).

Ecological Role

  • The plant manages interactions with both ants and pollinators.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Interacts with ants and pollinators.

Quirky Facts

  • The specific epithet 'myrtifolia' means 'myrtle-leaved'.
  • The name Acacia comes from the Greek word "akakia," meaning "to sharpen," because the first described species had short, sharp points.

Further Information

  • Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne holdings.
  • Florabank Profile.
  • Discover Life page.
  • Encyclopedia of Life.
  • IPNI (International Plant Names Index).
  • DMT-Nexus Wiki.