Calamphoreus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Calamphoreus |
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| C. inflatus in the Australian National Botanic Gardens | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Calamphoreus
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| Species: |
inflatus
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| Synonyms | |
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Eremophila inflata C.A.Gardner |
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Calamphoreus inflatus is a unique type of flowering plant. It is the only species in its group, called the genus Calamphoreus. This plant belongs to the Scrophulariaceae family. It grows as a shrub, which is a woody plant smaller than a tree. It used to be known as Eremophila inflata. However, Calamphoreus inflatus is special because its flowers have twisted parts called stamens. Also, its flower tube is shaped like an urn and stays on the plant even after the flower turns into fruit.
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What Does Calamphoreus inflatus Look Like?
Calamphoreus inflatus is a shrub that can grow up to about 1.5 metres (5 ft) tall. It can also spread out to 2 metres (7 ft) wide. When the branches are young, they can feel a bit sticky.
Leaves of the Plant
The leaves of this plant are arranged one after another along the stem. They are usually 15–35 millimetres (0.6–1 in) long and 2–6 millimetres (0.08–0.2 in) wide. The leaves are thick, sticky, and shaped like an oval or a narrow spear.
Flowers of Calamphoreus inflatus
The flowers grow either alone or in small groups of up to five. They appear where the leaves meet the stem, on a stalk about 4.5–7 millimetres (0.2–0.3 in) long. Each flower has five oblong (long and rounded) sepals, which are small, leaf-like parts that protect the bud. These sepals are hairy and develop a clear network of veins after the flower blooms.
There are also five petals that are joined together at their bases. They form a wide, bell-shaped tube. The outside of this petal tube is purple. But if you look inside, it's white with purple spots. The tube itself is about 7.5–10.5 millimetres (0.3–0.4 in) long. The ends of the petals are rounded and not all the same length. Inside the flower, there are four short stamens, which are the parts that produce pollen. Their stalks are twisted or curved.
When Does it Flower?
Calamphoreus inflatus mainly flowers in the summer. After flowering, it produces oval-shaped fruits that are about 3 millimetres (0.1 in) long and covered in dense hairs. The dried petal tube often stays attached to the outside of the fruit.
How Did Calamphoreus inflatus Get its Name?
The plant was first officially described in 1942 by a botanist named Charles Gardner. He first called it Eremophila inflata. He found a sample of the plant in the Coolgardie area of Western Australia.
Meaning of the Genus Name
The name of the genus, Calamphoreus, comes from two Ancient Greek words. Kalos means "beautiful," and amphoreus means "two-handled vase," "pitcher," or "jar." This name was chosen because of the beautiful, urn-like shape of the flowers.
Meaning of the Species Name
The second part of the name, inflatus, is a Latin word. It means "puffed up" or "swollen." This likely refers to a feature of the plant's appearance.
Where Does Calamphoreus inflatus Grow?
Calamphoreus inflatus is found in specific areas of Western Australia. It grows from Lake King to Mount Holland and in nearby regions. These areas include the Coolgardie and Mallee biogeographic regions. It has also been seen east of Hyden. This plant prefers to grow in gravelly loam soil on flat areas and in places where the ground has been disturbed.
Is Calamphoreus inflatus Protected?
The Government of Western Australia Department of Parks and Wildlife has classified Calamphoreus inflatus as "Priority Four" flora. This means that the plant is rare or nearly threatened. It is important to protect these plants to make sure they continue to thrive in the wild.
Can You Grow Calamphoreus inflatus?
This plant is often grown in gardens under its old name, Eremophila inflata. It grows well in most types of soil, as long as the soil drains water easily. It also needs a sunny spot to grow best. The easiest way to grow new plants is by taking cuttings from an existing plant.
