Agonis baxteri facts for kids
Agonis baxteri is a special type of shrub that grows naturally only in Western Australia. It's known for its tall, thin shape and pretty flowers.
Quick facts for kids Agonis baxteri |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Agonis
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| Species: |
baxteri
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| Synonyms | |
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Melaleuca baxteri Benth Agonis obtusissima F.Muell. Myrtoleucodendron baxteri Kuntz. |
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Contents
What is Agonis baxteri?
This plant is a tall, thin shrub. It can grow up to about 2 metres (7 ft) (6.5 feet) high. Its leaves are a dark green color. They have a clear line down the middle, like a tiny spine. Each leaf is about 40 millimetres (1.6 in) (1.5 inches) long. They are shaped like an oval.
Flowers and Blooming Time
Agonis baxteri blooms, or flowers, between September and December. This is during spring and early summer in Australia. The flowers are a mix of pink and white. Each flower has five petals. They are quite small, about 12 to 15 mm (0.5 to 0.6 in) (0.5 to 0.6 inches) across. This plant looks a lot like another plant called Taxandria marginata.
Where Does it Grow?
This shrub is found in several different places in Western Australia. It likes areas along the south coast. You can find it in the Goldfields-Esperance region. It grows in places like:
- Sandy plains
- Sand dunes
- Swamps
- Stony hills
- Areas that have been disturbed by people or nature
It grows well in sand and loam (a type of soil) that sits over rock. This rock can be quartzite, limestone, or granite. These areas are part of the Esperance Plains and Mallee regions. These regions are defined by a system called IBRA, which stands for Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia.
How Was it Named?
The scientific name of a plant can change over time. This happens as scientists learn more about them.
Early Discoveries
The first time this plant was officially described was in 1867. A botanist named George Bentham gave it the name Melaleuca baxteri. He wrote about it in a book called Flora Australiensis. Later, in 1881, another botanist, Ferdinand von Mueller, gave it a different name, Agonis obtusissima. Then, in 1891, Kuntze named it Myrtoleucodendron baxteri.
Modern Classification
Finally, in 2007, two scientists, J.R.Wheeler and N.G.Marchant, studied the plant again. They decided it belonged in the Agonis group. So, they officially renamed it Agonis baxteri. They published their findings in a science journal called Nuytsia. This new name is the one we use today.
