6th Window Discovered!
Wattle
Acacia declinata
A rare Wattle with a rare golden glow. Bright orange & yellow biofluorescence is hard to come across in the natural world – especially in wildflowers. The biofluorescent tips of its hair-like petals look as if they have evolved to attract pollinators such as butterflies!
The common name “Wattle” is often used to refer to any and all of the 1,350 Acacia species. Acacias are found all over Australia, they are a thriving family of plants and as such play a very important role in our ecosystem. For example, the Imperial Hairstreak butterfly is a native species of butterfly that depends on species of Acacia in order to survive. They have evolved to eat the nectar of Acacia flowers. In turn, the Acacia needs the Imperial Hairstreak to survive – when the butterfly swoops in for food, some of the wildflower’s pollen gets stuck to their wings and legs, when the butterfly visits multiple flowers pollen is transferred from plant to plant. It is pollinating the local population of Acacia, ensuring future generations of the wildflower will grow.
This is called a “symbiotic” relationship between Acacia and the Imperial Hairstreak. Meaning that they depend on each other to survive. Sadly, if more Acacia species become rare like this Acacia declinata then fewer Imperial Hairstreaks will be able to survive in Australia. This could lead to a “snowball effect” where both the wildflower and the butterfly become extinct. Thanks to places like Kings Park, there are people fighting to stop this from happening. If you’re interested in being involved in the conservation effort of WA’s wildflowers, consider looking into Volunteering via the Kings Park website.
Wallpaper Unlocked!
You’ve just unlocked the Arcacia declinata phone wallpaper! Follow the link, then tap & hold the wallpaper, select “Save to Photos”.
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A 7th Window has opened!
A hidden 7th Window has just opened up! You must have visited all 6 Windows. This wildflower is found back in the Critically Endangered Zone. Whilst staying on the path, look amongst the plants and flowers to find this hidden Window. To scan it successfully, try zooming in with your camera.
Oi!
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