Bitter bush facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bitter bush |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Adriana
|
| Species: |
quadripartita
|
| Synonyms | |
|
|
The Adriana quadripartita, also known as the bitter bush, is a type of shrub. It belongs to the plant family Euphorbiaceae. This plant is special because it is only found in southern Australia. It grows upright and spread out, reaching a height of about 0.5 to 3 meters (or even taller).
The leaves of the bitter bush are shaped like a spearhead or an egg. They grow in pairs on the stem and have rough, jagged edges. The top surface of the leaves is smooth and hairless. Each leaf is usually about 5 to 10 centimeters long and 2 to 4 centimeters wide. The male flowers grow in long spikes, up to 17 centimeters long. The female flowers grow on different plants and appear in clusters. After the female flowers, the plant produces round, egg-shaped fruits called capsules, which are about 1 centimeter across.
Contents
Different Kinds of Bitter Bush
Scientists recognize two main forms of the bitter bush. One form has completely smooth leaves, while the other has leaves with a whitish, fuzzy underside.
Smooth-Leaved Bitter Bush
This form is also called the rare bitter-bush. You can find it in Western Australia, South Australia, and Victoria. In Victoria, it grows as far east as Port Phillip heads. Because it is not very common, this form is listed as "threatened" in Victoria. This means it needs protection under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988.
Fuzzy-Leaved Bitter Bush
This form is known as the coast bitter-bush. Sometimes, people even consider it a separate species called Adriana klotzchii. It grows on sand dunes along the coast of South Australia and extends into Victoria, reaching as far east as Wilsons Promontory. In South Australia, this form usually flowers in spring, but you might see its flowers at other times of the year too.
The fuzzy-leaved bitter bush is important for a special butterfly called the bitter-bush blue butterfly (Theclinesthes albocincta). This plant is a "host plant," which means the butterfly lays its eggs on it, and the caterpillars eat its leaves to grow.
Growing Bitter Bush
You can grow the bitter bush from cuttings, which are small pieces of the plant that can grow into a new plant. The fuzzy-leaved form is especially useful. It can be planted near the coast to protect other plants from strong winds and salty ocean spray.
Gallery
-
Female bitter bush plant
-
Male bitter bush plant
_-_Flickr_-_Kevin_Thiele.jpg)
_-_Flickr_-_Kevin_Thiele.jpg)
