Adenanthos ellipticus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Adenanthos ellipticus |
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|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Adenanthos
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| Species: |
ellipticus
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The Adenanthos ellipticus, also known as the oval-leaf adenanthos, is a special kind of flowering plant. It belongs to the Proteaceae family. This plant is only found in Western Australia, which means it is endemic there. It is considered a rare plant by the government.
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What it Looks Like
The oval-leaf adenanthos grows as a wide, spreading bush. It can reach up to 3 meters (about 10 feet) tall and 4 meters (about 13 feet) wide. Its leaves are usually 2 to 5 centimeters long and 5 to 15 millimeters wide. The plant has pretty orange or reddish-pink flowers, which are about 2.5 centimeters long.
About its Name
A scientist named Alex George officially described the Adenanthos ellipticus in 1974. The second part of its name, ellipticus, comes from a Latin word. It describes the oval shape of the plant's leaves.
Even though it was named in 1974, the plant was first collected much earlier. A person named W.E.Blackall found it in 1931.
Where it Lives
The Adenanthos ellipticus is very rare. It is only found in the Fitzgerald River National Park in Western Australia. There are only three known groups of these plants, and they cover a small area.
This plant likes to grow on rocky hillsides. It prefers sandy soil that comes from a type of rock called quartzite. You might find it growing near other plants like the coastal jugflower (Adenanthos cuneatus) and the veined adenanthos (A. venosus). However, the oval-leaf adenanthos usually grows higher up on the slopes than these other plants.
How it Survives
The Adenanthos ellipticus is affected by bushfires. When a bushfire happens, the plant usually dies. But it can grow back from its seeds after the fire. If fires happen too often, it can be very dangerous for this plant.
It is also very sensitive to a plant disease called dieback. This disease is caused by a type of water mold called Phytophthora cinnamomi.
Its Protection Status
Because it is so rare, the Adenanthos ellipticus is a protected plant. Both the Australian government and the Western Australian government have listed it as a vulnerable species. This means they are working to protect it. It was listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 in 2008 and under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 (Western Australia) in 2012.
Growing This Plant
The Adenanthos ellipticus is not usually grown in gardens. It is not as popular for gardening as some other similar plants. This is partly because it grows very large and wide. It would likely need a lot of trimming to keep it looking neat in a garden.
See also
In Spanish: Adenanthos ellipticus para niños
