Asterolasia buxifolia facts for kids

Asterolasia buxifolia is a special kind of shrub. It belongs to the Rutaceae family, which also includes citrus plants. This shrub is found only in a small part of eastern New South Wales, Australia. It has tiny, star-shaped hairs on its stems. Its leaves are tough and feel like leather. The plant also grows pretty yellow flowers. These flowers grow one by one where the leaves meet the stem. The back of their petals also has star-shaped hairs.

What it Looks Like

Asterolasia buxifolia is a thin, tall shrub. It usually grows to be about 1 to 2 meters (3 to 6.5 feet) tall. Its stems are covered with tiny hairs that look like stars.

Leaves and Stems

The leaves of this plant are strong and feel like leather. They are shaped like an egg, but narrower at the bottom. Each leaf is about 5 to 18 millimeters (0.2 to 0.7 inches) long. They are also about 3 to 10 millimeters (0.1 to 0.4 inches) wide. The leaves grow on a small stalk called a petiole, which is 2 to 7 millimeters long. The top of the leaves is smooth and hairless. But the underside is covered with those star-shaped hairs.

Flowers

The flowers of Asterolasia buxifolia grow one at a time. They appear where the leaves join the stem. Each flower sits on a tiny stalk called a pedicel, which is about 1 to 1.5 millimeters long. The flowers have five yellow petals. These petals are oval-shaped and about 6 to 7 millimeters long. Just like the stems and leaves, the back of the petals also has star-shaped hairs.

Plant Names and History

This plant was first officially described in 1863. A scientist named George Bentham wrote about it. He published his description in a book called Flora Australiensis.

Where it Lives

Asterolasia buxifolia is very rare. It is only known to grow in one specific place. This spot is near the River Lett in New South Wales, Australia. It likes to grow among granite rocks in the forest.

Protecting This Plant

This plant was thought to be lost for a long time. It was only found again in the year 2000. Because it is so rare, not much is known about it.

It is listed as an "endangered" species. This means it is at high risk of disappearing forever. The New South Wales Government protects it under a law called the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.

Threats to the Plant

There are a few main dangers to Asterolasia buxifolia:

• Weed invasion: Other plants, called weeds, can grow too close and take over its space.
• Habitat disturbance: Things like people walking through its area or building nearby can harm where it lives.
• Grazing animals: Animals like rabbits, hares, and farm animals eat the plants. This stops them from growing and spreading.