Banksia rufa subsp. obliquiloba facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Banksia rufa subsp. obliquiloba |
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| Conservation status | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Proteales |
| Family: | Proteaceae |
| Genus: | Banksia |
| Species: | |
| Subspecies: |
B. r. subsp. obliquiloba
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| Trinomial name | |
| Banksia rufa subsp. obliquiloba (A.S.George) A.R.Mast & K.R.Thiele
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| Synonyms | |
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Banksia rufa subsp. obliquiloba is a special type of plant, known as a subspecies, that belongs to the larger Banksia rufa species. Think of a subspecies as a unique group within a species that has slightly different features or lives in a particular area.
This plant was once called Dryandra ferruginea subsp. obliquiloba. However, in 2007, two scientists named Austin Mast and Kevin Thiele made a big change in how these plants are classified. They decided that all plants previously known as Dryandra should now be part of the Banksia group.
When this change happened, they couldn't use the old name Banksia ferruginea because another plant already had that name. So, Mast and Thiele had to pick a new scientific name for this plant and its subspecies.
Like other plants in the Banksia ser. Dryandra group, Banksia rufa subsp. obliquiloba is found only in one specific place. It grows naturally in the South West Botanical Province of Western Australia. This means it is "endemic" to that region, which is a special area known for its many unique plants.
What is a Subspecies?
A subspecies is like a close relative within a plant or animal species. Imagine a family where everyone shares a last name, but some members have slightly different hair color or height. In the same way, a subspecies shares most features with its main species but has small differences. These differences might be in its leaves, flowers, or where it grows. Scientists use subspecies names to help them understand and organize the amazing variety of life on Earth.
Why Did the Name Change?
Scientific names for plants and animals can sometimes change. This happens when scientists learn new things about how different species are related. In 2007, scientists Austin Mast and Kevin Thiele studied the Dryandra plants very closely. They used new methods, like looking at the plants' DNA, to understand their family tree better.
Their research showed that Dryandra plants were actually very closely related to Banksia plants. So close, in fact, that they decided to combine them into one big group under the Banksia name. This kind of reclassification helps scientists keep the naming system accurate and up-to-date with the latest discoveries.
Where Does it Grow?
Banksia rufa subsp. obliquiloba is found only in the South West Botanical Province of Western Australia. This area is famous for its incredible plant diversity. It's a "biodiversity hotspot," meaning it has many unique plants and animals that aren't found anywhere else in the world. The climate and soil in this region are just right for many special plants, including different types of Banksia.
