Calothamnus quadrifidus subsp. obtusus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Calothamnus quadrifidus subsp. obtusus |
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Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Myrtales |
| Family: | Myrtaceae |
| Genus: | Calothamnus |
| Species: | |
| Subspecies: |
C. q. subsp. obtusus
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| Trinomial name | |
| Calothamnus quadrifidus subsp. obtusus (Benth.) A.S.George & N.Gibson
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| Synonyms | |
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Melaleuca quadrifida subsp. obtusa (Benth.) Craven & R.D.Edwards |
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Calothamnus quadrifidus subsp. obtusus is a special plant from the Myrtaceae family, also known as the myrtle family. This plant is found only in the south-west part of Western Australia. It is similar to other types of Calothamnus quadrifidus. However, its leaves are a bit rough and scaly. Also, the bundles of its flower parts (called stamens) are shorter.
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What Does This Plant Look Like?
Calothamnus quadrifidus subsp. obtusus is a shrub that can grow straight up or spread out. It can reach about 3 metres (10 ft) tall. This plant has a special underground stem called a lignotuber. This helps it regrow after things like bushfires.
Its leaves are flat and thin. They are about 10–35 millimetres (0.4–1 in) long. They are also 1–4 millimetres (0.04–0.2 in) wide. The very end of each leaf is a little wider.
Flowers and Fruits
The flowers of this plant are red. They grow in groups, usually on one side of the stem. You can often find them among the older leaves. The stamens are the parts of the flower that make pollen. They are arranged in 4 claw-like bundles. Each bundle is about 18–25 millimetres (0.7–1 in) long.
This plant mainly flowers from August to October. After flowering, it produces fruits. These fruits are woody, round-shaped capsules. They are about 6–10 millimetres (0.2–0.4 in) long.
How This Plant Got Its Name
Calothamnus quadrifidus subsp. obtusus was officially described in 2010. This was done by a scientist named Alex George in a science journal called Nuytsia.
However, it was first described way back in 1867. Another scientist, George Bentham, called it a form of Calothamnus quadrifidus. He studied a plant sample found near the Murchison River. This sample was collected by Augustus Oldfield.
The name obtusus comes from a Latin word. It means "blunt" or "dull."
Where This Plant Lives
You can find Calothamnus quadrifidus subsp. obtusus in Western Australia. It grows in the areas between Shark Bay, Kalbarri, and Mullewa. These areas are known as the Carnarvon, Geraldton Sandplains, and Yalgoo regions.
It usually grows in sandy soil. This type of habitat is called kwongan, which is a kind of shrubland.
Is This Plant Safe?
The Western Australian Government's Department of Parks and Wildlife has looked at Calothamnus quadrifidus subsp. obtusus. They have classified it as "not threatened." This means it is not currently in danger of disappearing.
