Bitter-peas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Daviesia |
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Daviesia, often called Bitter-peas, is a large group of flowering plants. They are part of the legume family. These plants are originally from Australia. Many different types of Daviesia are found in Western Australia.
The name Daviesia honors Hugh Davies, a botanist from Wales. Like other plants in their family, Daviesia plants have special bacteria. These bacteria live in their root nodules and help the plants get nitrogen from the air. This process is called nitrogen-fixing.
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What do Daviesia Plants Look Like?
The leaves of Daviesia plants are quite special. They often look like flattened stems, which are called phyllodes. These leaves are usually tough and can sometimes be prickly. They are often round in shape. For some species, the leaves are very small, almost like scales.
Some Daviesia plants have cladodes. These are flattened stems that look and act like leaves. An example is D. alata.
How Their Roots Grow
Many Daviesia species have a unique way their roots grow thicker. New layers of growth appear in arches outside the older root parts. This makes their roots look a bit like ropes.
Nitrogen Fixing
Most Daviesia plants are known for "fixing" nitrogen. This means they can take nitrogen gas from the air. They change it into a form that plants can use to grow. This is a very important process for healthy soil.
Types of Daviesia Plants
There are many different types of Daviesia plants. Scientists have given each one a unique name. Some well-known species include Daviesia cordata, Daviesia corymbosa, and Daviesia latifolia.
See also
- In Spanish: Daviesia para niños
