Tassel grevillea facts for kids

The Grevillea tenuiflora, also known as the tassel grevillea, is a special type of shrub found only in Western Australia. It belongs to a large group of plants called Grevillea. This plant is native to the Wheatbelt and South West areas of Western Australia.

Discovering the Tassel Grevillea

The tassel grevillea is a spreading shrub. It usually grows to be about 1 to 1.5 meters (3 to 5 feet) tall. Its branches are smooth and do not have a waxy coating.

Leaves and Flowers

The leaves of the tassel grevillea are quite interesting. They are simple but also deeply cut, almost like they are divided into many small parts. Each leaf blade can be from 17 to 55 millimeters (0.7 to 2.2 inches) long.

This plant blooms between August and September. Its flowers grow in clusters called racemes. These clusters can be found at the end of branches or where leaves meet the stem. The flowers are usually purple or white. They have long, thin parts called styles, which can be white or purple.

Fruit and Reproduction

After the flowers bloom, the plant forms small fruits. These fruits are oval-shaped and have small bumps on them. They are also covered in tiny, sticky hairs. Each fruit is about 9 to 11 millimeters (0.35 to 0.43 inches) long.

The tassel grevillea grows back from its seeds. This means new plants sprout from the seeds produced by the parent plant. It is very similar to another plant called Grevillea pulchella.

Where the Tassel Grevillea Lives

You can find G. tenuiflora growing in different types of natural areas. These include heathlands, woodlands, and shrublands. It grows from a town called Armadale all the way east to Wagin. This plant prefers to grow in soils that are gravelly, sandy, or clay-like. These soils are often found over a type of rock called laterite.