Calothamnus superbus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Calothamnus superbus |
|
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Calothamnus
|
| Species: |
superbus
|
| Synonyms | |
|
Melaleuca superba (Hawkeswood & Mollemans) Craven & R.D.Edwards |
|
Calothamnus superbus is a special kind of plant that belongs to the myrtle family. It grows only in the south-west part of Western Australia. This plant is usually a tall, spreading shrub. It looks a bit like another plant called Calothamnus aridus, especially with its red flowers. These flowers have five groups of stamens, which are the parts that make pollen. However, Calothamnus superbus has longer and wider leaves. You can only find this plant in a small area near Pigeon Rocks, which is south of Lake Barlee.
Contents
What Does This Plant Look Like?
Calothamnus superbus is a shrub that grows upright and spreads out. It can reach a height of about 2.5 metres (8 ft), which is like being as tall as a small car. It has many branches.
Its leaves are usually 130–150 millimetres (5–6 in) long and 1.2–1.6 millimetres (0.05–0.06 in) wide. They are thin and round like a pencil, and they get narrower to a sharp point. If you look closely, you might see small, clear dots on the leaves. These are special oil glands.
The flowers are red and grow in small groups. There might be about 3 flowers in a cluster, or up to 10 flowers in a loose spike. They grow between the leaves on the younger branches. The petals of the flowers are thin and papery, about 3–5 millimetres (0.1–0.2 in) long, and can be orange or brown. The stamens, which are the parts that hold pollen, are grouped into 5 claw-like bundles. Each bundle usually has 12 to 17 stamens.
This plant probably flowers after it rains. After the flowers, it grows woody fruits. These fruits are like small, hard seed pods called capsules. They are about 5–7 millimetres (0.2–0.3 in) long and 7–9 millimetres (0.3–0.4 in) wide.
How This Plant Got Its Name
Calothamnus superbus was first officially described in 1992. Two scientists, Trevor Hawkeswood and Frans Mollemans, wrote about it in a science magazine called Nuytsia.
The second part of its scientific name, superbus, comes from a Latin word. It means "excellent," "superior," or "splendid." This name was chosen because the plant's leaves have a very distinct color. It also stands out in the area where it grows.
Where Does This Plant Live?
Calothamnus superbus is found in the Pigeon Rocks area. This area is part of a larger natural region called Coolgardie in Western Australia. The plant likes to grow in sandy areas with small pebbles. It often grows on flat, sandy plains.
Protecting This Plant
The Western Australian Government Department of Parks and Wildlife has given Calothamnus superbus a special classification. It is listed as "Priority One" flora.
This means that the plant is known to grow in only one or a few places. These places could be at risk, so the plant needs special protection to make sure it doesn't disappear.
