Banksia catoglypta facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Banksia catoglypta |
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| Near Dandaragan | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Banksia
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| Species: |
catoglypta
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| Synonyms | |
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Dryandra catoglypta A.S.George |
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Banksia catoglypta is a special kind of shrub found only in Western Australia. It has unique leaves that are deeply cut, almost like feathers, with sharp, triangle-shaped parts. Its flowers are a mix of golden brown and cream colors.
Contents
What Does Banksia catoglypta Look Like?
This Banksia is a shrub that usually grows up to 1 m (3 ft 3 in) tall and wide. Unlike some plants, it does not have a lignotuber, which is a woody swelling at the base that helps plants regrow after fire.
Its Stems and Leaves
The stems of Banksia catoglypta have special, egg-shaped or oval bracts. These are like small, leaf-like structures found at the base of each new year's growth. The leaves are quite long, about 150–300 mm (5.9–11.8 in) (6 to 12 inches), and 25–70 mm (0.98–2.76 in) (1 to 3 inches) wide. They grow on a short stem called a petiole, which is about 15–18 mm (0.59–0.71 in) long. The leaves are "pinnatisect," meaning they are deeply divided into ten to fifteen sharp, triangular sections on each side.
Its Flowers and Fruit
The flowers grow in groups of 85 to 110 in each head. These flower heads are found at the end of short branches. Silky-hairy, egg-shaped bracts, up to 25 mm (0.98 in) long, surround the flower heads. Each flower has a golden brown perianth, which is the outer part of the flower, about 44–56 mm (1.7–2.2 in) long. It also has a cream-coloured pistil, the female part of the flower, which is 46–64 mm (1.8–2.5 in) long. The tip of the pistil, called the pollen presenter, is a dull reddish pink.
Banksia catoglypta flowers from June to July. After flowering, it produces a fruit called a follicle. This fruit is broadly egg-shaped, about 15–17 mm (0.59–0.67 in) long and 17–20 mm (0.67–0.79 in) wide.
Where Does Banksia catoglypta Grow?
This Banksia species grows in a specific type of landscape in Western Australia. It is found on "breakaways," which are steep slopes or cliffs formed by erosion. It grows in an area called "kwongan," which is a type of shrubland with sandy soil. You can find it on the Gairdner Range and north of Badgingarra. These areas are part of the Geraldton Sandplains biogeographic region, which is a natural area with similar plants and animals.
How Was Banksia catoglypta Named?
This plant was first officially described in 1996 by a scientist named Alex George. He published his description in a science journal called Nuytsia. At that time, he gave it the name Dryandra catoglypta.
What Does Its Name Mean?
The second part of its name, the specific epithet catoglypta, comes from ancient Greek words. "Cato" means "downwards," and "glypta" means "carved." This name refers to the special bracts on the stem that point downwards.
In 2007, two other scientists, Austin Mast and Kevin Thiele, studied the Dryandra plants. They decided that all Dryandra species should be moved into the Banksia group. So, Dryandra catoglypta became Banksia catoglypta.
Is Banksia catoglypta Endangered?
The Western Australian Government's Department of Parks and Wildlife has looked at the status of Banksia catoglypta. They have classified it as "not threatened." This means that there are enough of these plants in the wild, and they are not currently at risk of disappearing.
