Calothamnus macrocarpus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Calothamnus macrocarpus |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Calothamnus
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| Species: |
macrocarpus
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| Synonyms | |
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Melaleuca macrocarpa (Hawkeswood) Craven & R.D.Edwards |
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Calothamnus macrocarpus is a special plant found only in the south-west of Western Australia. It belongs to the myrtle family, called Myrtaceae. This plant is a tall shrub with bright red flowers that bloom in spring. It also grows large, round fruits. You can only find it in a small area near Hopetoun.
What it Looks Like
Calothamnus macrocarpus is an upright shrub. It has many branches and can grow about 2 to 3 meters (6.5 to 10 feet) tall. Its leaves are packed closely together. They are about 2 to 3 centimeters (0.8 to 1.2 inches) long. The leaves are shaped like cylinders and have a soft, non-prickly tip. You can see tiny oil glands on the leaves.
The flowers are a deep red color. They usually grow in small groups between the leaves. The petals are thin and papery, about 6 to 8 millimeters (0.2 to 0.3 inches) long. They can be pink or brown. The stamens are like tiny bundles, usually with 26 to 28 stamens in each bundle. This plant flowers from August to December. After flowering, it grows woody, round fruits. These fruits are called capsules and are about 13 to 18 millimeters (0.5 to 0.7 inches) wide. They are often hidden among the leaves.
How it Got its Name
The plant Calothamnus macrocarpus was first officially described in 1984. A botanist named Trevor Hawkeswood wrote about it in a science journal called Nuytsia. The second part of its name, macrocarpus, comes from two Greek words. Macros means "large" or "long." Carpos means "fruit." So, macrocarpus refers to the plant's big, round fruits.
Where it Grows
You can find Calothamnus macrocarpus near the top of East Mount Barren. This area is close to Hopetoun in Western Australia. It grows in sandy soil. It also likes soil that comes from a type of rock called quartzite.
Looking After the Plant
The government of Western Australia has a special way of classifying plants. Calothamnus macrocarpus is listed as "Priority Two." This means that not much is known about this plant. It is found in only a few places. Most of these places are in nature reserves or national parks. This helps to protect the plant.
