Abrophyllum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Abrophyllum |
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| Leaves and fruits of Abrophyllum ornans at Elvina Bay, Australia. | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Abrophyllum
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| Species: |
ornans
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Abrophyllum is a type of flowering plant. It's the only plant in its group, called a monotypic genus. This plant is often called native hydrangea, but it's not actually related to the true hydrangea plant.
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What is Abrophyllum ornans?
Abrophyllum ornans is a plant that grows as a shrub or a small tree. It can reach up to 8 meters (about 26 feet) tall. It has large, simple leaves that are usually 10–20 centimeters (4–8 inches) long. These leaves are pointed and have slightly toothed edges.
Its flowers are yellowish and grow in clusters. They have small petals and sepals that fall off easily. After the flowers, the plant produces small, dark, oblong-shaped berries. These berries are about 8–12 millimeters (0.3–0.5 inches) long and contain many tiny seeds.
Where Does It Grow?
This plant is native to Australia, specifically in the states of New South Wales and Queensland. It likes to grow in warm, wet forests called rainforests. You can often find it along small streams or in gullies (small valleys) where the soil might not be the richest. Its natural home stretches from the Illawarra region in New South Wales all the way to the McIlwraith Range in far north-eastern Australia.
How Scientists Classify It
Scientists group plants into families based on how they are related. Abrophyllum ornans has been a bit tricky for scientists to classify! Over the years, different botanists (plant scientists) have placed it in various plant families.
- Some early scientists, like Engler and Prantl, put it in the Saxifragaceae family.
- Later, other scientists suggested families like Escalloniaceae, Grossulariaceae, or Carpodetaceae.
- Today, many scientists, especially those using the APG II system (a modern way of classifying plants), place Abrophyllum in the family called Rousseaceae. Some even thought it should have its own family, Abrophyllaceae.
This shows that classifying plants can be complex, and scientists sometimes change their minds as they learn more!
What Is It Used For?
Sometimes, people grow Abrophyllum ornans in gardens because its leaves and fruits look nice. It's considered an ornamental plant in some local areas.
See also
In Spanish: Abrophyllum para niños
