Calothamnus gracilis facts for kids

Calothamnus gracilis is a special kind of plant that belongs to the myrtle family, called Myrtaceae. This plant is only found in the south-west part of Western Australia. It's a spreading shrub, which means it grows wide, and has leaves that point upwards. You can often find it growing in areas called heathlands.

This plant has long, thin leaves and beautiful dark red flowers. The flowers can appear at different times of the year, often depending on how much rain there has been. Calothamnus gracilis looks a bit like another plant called Calothamnus gibbosus. However, Calothamnus gracilis doesn't have the corky bark on its older branches like its cousin does. Also, its flowers and fruits aren't as deeply hidden in the bark. Some scientists have suggested that this plant should be renamed Melaleuca gracilis.

What Does Calothamnus gracilis Look Like?

Calothamnus gracilis is a shrub that spreads out and can grow up to about 1.5 meters (5 feet) tall. Its leaves are very fine and round if you look at them from the end. They can be up to 80 millimeters (about 3 inches) long. Even though the leaves taper to a sharp point, the plant isn't prickly because the leaves are so long and thin.

The flowers are a bright red color. They grow in small groups, usually on just one side of the stems. These flower spikes can be up to 80 millimeters (about 3 inches) long. Each flower has 5 sepals (small leaf-like parts that protect the bud), petals, and special claw-like bundles of stamens (the parts that produce pollen).

Where Does Calothamnus gracilis Grow?

This plant is very common and can be found across the southern part of south-western Western Australia. It grows in the area between the towns of Albany and Esperance. You can find it in different natural areas, including the Avon Wheatbelt, Coolgardie, Esperance Plains, Jarrah Forest, Mallee, and Warren regions. It prefers to grow in sandy and gravelly soils, especially in heathlands.

How Does Calothamnus gracilis Help Nature?

Calothamnus gracilis is an important food source for a tiny animal called the honey possum (Tarsipes rostratus). This small possum loves to feed on the nectar from the plant's flowers. Scientists have even studied how this possum might help spread a plant disease called Phytophthora cinnamomi.

Is Calothamnus gracilis in Danger?

The good news is that Calothamnus gracilis is not considered to be a threatened plant. The Western Australian government's department of parks and wildlife has classified it as "not threatened." This means it's doing well in its natural habitat.