Banksia armata facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Banksia armata |
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| B. armata var. armata in Beelu National Park | |
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Banksia
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| Species: |
armata
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Banksia armata, also known as the prickly dryandra, is a type of shrub found only in Western Australia. It often spreads out low to the ground. This plant has leaves with deep, sharp points. Its flowers are yellow and grow in spikes, usually with 45 to 70 flowers on each spike.
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What Does Banksia Armata Look Like?
Banksia armata is a shrub that can grow in different ways. It might spread out, grow wide, or stand upright. It usually reaches a height of about 1.5 to 3 meters (5 to 10 feet). Sometimes, it has a special woody swelling at its base called a lignotuber. This helps it regrow after a fire.
Leaves and Flowers
The leaves of this plant are quite unique. They are 2 to 8 centimeters (0.8 to 3 inches) long and 0.8 to 2.5 centimeters (0.3 to 1 inch) wide. Each side of the leaf has 5 to 13 sharp, wedge-shaped points.
The flowers are bright yellow. They grow in spikes, with each spike holding about 45 to 70 individual flowers. Each flower is about 2.5 to 3.9 centimeters (1 to 1.5 inches) long. Banksia armata usually blooms from June to November. After flowering, it produces egg-shaped fruits called follicles, which are about 9 to 10 millimeters (0.35 to 0.4 inches) long.
How Banksia Armata Got Its Name
The first samples of Banksia armata were collected in December 1801. This happened at King George Sound in Western Australia. A botanist named Robert Brown described the plant in 1810. He named it Dryandra armata.
Meaning of the Name
The second part of its name, armata, comes from a Latin word meaning "armed." This refers to the plant's sharply pointed leaves, which look a bit like they are armed with spikes.
Later, in 2007, scientists decided to move all Dryandra species into the Banksia group. This is why the plant's name changed from Dryandra armata to Banksia armata.
Different Types of Banksia Armata
There are two main types, or varieties, of Banksia armata:
- Banksia armata var. armata: This type is usually a shrub that grows to 1 to 1.5 meters (3 to 5 feet) tall. It has a lignotuber and its leaves are 0.8 to 2 centimeters (0.3 to 0.8 inches) wide, with 6 to 13 lobes on each side.
- Banksia armata var. ignicida: This variety can grow taller, up to 3 meters (10 feet). It does not have a lignotuber. Its leaves are wider, 2 to 2.5 centimeters (0.8 to 1 inch) wide, with 5 to 8 lobes on each side.
Where Banksia Armata Grows
This plant is found all over the southwest part of Western Australia. Its main area is between Perth and Albany. However, you can also find it further north near Mount Lesueur. It also grows along the south coast, between Esperance and Israelite Bay.
Banksia armata prefers to grow in sandy soil or rocky areas. It is often found in tall shrublands or low woodlands.
Is Banksia Armata Endangered?
The good news is that Banksia armata and both of its varieties are considered "not threatened." This means they are not currently at risk of disappearing. The Western Australian Government's Department of Parks and Wildlife keeps track of its status.
See also
In Spanish: Banksia armata para niños
