Photograph:
Acacia aspera is commonly known
as Rough Wattle. It grows as a small shrub upto 1.2 m in height. As its common name suggests, its branches and leaves are rough.
It flowers from July to November. 30-50 bright yellow flowers make up a ball which appears fluffy due to the numerous stamens. Pollen is thus carried on the outside of the ball and is easily accessible by pollinating agents. Honey bees are commonly seen on wattles, even though the amount of nectar in such tiny individual flowers must be miniscule. As with most wattles, the pollen unit is complex, being made up of many (here sixteen) individual grains.
Pollen images
light microscopy
electron microscopy
It flowers from July to November. 30-50 bright yellow flowers make up a ball which appears fluffy due to the numerous stamens. Pollen is thus carried on the outside of the ball and is easily accessible by pollinating agents. Honey bees are commonly seen on wattles, even though the amount of nectar in such tiny individual flowers must be miniscule. As with most wattles, the pollen unit is complex, being made up of many (here sixteen) individual grains.
Pollen images
light microscopy
electron microscopy