Banksia horrida facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Banksia horrida |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Banksia
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| Species: |
horrida
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| Synonyms | |
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Dryandra horrida Meisn. |
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Banksia horrida, also known as the prickly dryandra, is a special type of shrub that only grows in Western Australia. It has stems that feel a bit hairy, and its leaves are long and narrow with super pointy teeth along the edges. When it blooms, you'll see up to sixty cream-colored flowers grouped together in a head. After the flowers, it grows hairy, egg-shaped seed pods.
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What Does Banksia Horrida Look Like?
This shrub usually grows up to 2 meters (about 6.5 feet) tall. Its stems are covered in fine hairs. The leaves are long and narrow, measuring about 40 to 140 millimeters (1.5 to 5.5 inches) long and 5 to 10 millimeters (0.2 to 0.4 inches) wide. Each side of the leaf has between five and twelve sharp, triangular teeth.
The flowers grow in round clusters, with about thirty-five to sixty flowers in each head. At the base of these flower heads are long, hairy leaf-like structures called bracts. Each flower has yellow outer parts, called a perianth, which are about 24 to 32 millimeters (0.9 to 1.3 inches) long. The female part of the flower, called the pistil, is cream-colored and about 23 to 31 millimeters (0.9 to 1.2 inches) long.
Banksia horrida typically flowers from April to June, or sometimes in August. After flowering, it produces egg-shaped seed pods, which are about 11 to 12 millimeters (0.4 to 0.5 inches) long and also hairy.
How Did Banksia Horrida Get Its Name?
This plant was first officially described in 1856 by a scientist named Carl Meissner. He originally named it Dryandra horrida. The word horrida comes from Latin and means "shaggy" or "prickly," which perfectly describes its leaves and hairy parts!
Later, in 2007, two other scientists, Austin Mast and Kevin Thiele, moved all plants from the Dryandra group into the Banksia group. So, Dryandra horrida became Banksia horrida.
Where Does Banksia Horrida Grow?
Banksia horrida is found in specific areas of Western Australia. It grows in a type of shrubland called kwongan, which is a unique plant community. You can find it scattered in places like Tammin, Corrigin, and Narembeen.
Is Banksia Horrida Protected?
Yes, Banksia horrida is considered a "Priority Three" species by the Government of Western Australia's Department of Parks and Wildlife. This means that while it's not in immediate danger, it's still quite rare and only found in a few locations. Scientists are still learning more about it, and it's important to protect these special plants.
