Foliage type

States of this Feature refer to the foliage of mature plants.

Most Acacia species have pinnate/bipinnate leaves when seedlings. As plants mature the leaves are commonly modified into phyllodes (which occasionally are extremely poorly developed, i.e. rudimentary) or rarely to scales; occasionally foliage is entirely absent from mature plants.

Phyllode. A modified petiole/rachis which assumes the form and function of a leaf. There is great diversity in phyllode form. Phyllodes are normally numerous and conspicuous, but sometimes few and/or inconspicuous; they occasionally closely resemble the branchlets (thus difficult to distinguish) or are sometimes continuous with them (may form cauline wings).

If mature plants possess both phyllodes and bipinnate leaves (rare) then select Phyllodes under this Feature.