Woolly net-bush facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Woolly net-bush |
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| Calothamnus villosus at Villa Durazzo-Pallavicini | |
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| Genus: |
Calothamnus
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| Species: |
villosus
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Calothamnus villosus, also known as the woolly net-bush or silky net-bush, is a special type of plant that belongs to the myrtle family (Myrtaceae). It grows only in the south-west part of Western Australia. This plant is usually a tall bush that can sometimes grow in thick groups, forming what looks like a small forest. It has thin, round leaves and bright red flowers that bloom for many months of the year. It looks a bit like another plant called Calothamnus quadrifidus, but you can tell them apart by their flowers. Calothamnus villosus flowers have five special "claws" made of stamens, while C. quadrifidus only has four.
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What Does the Woolly Net-Bush Look Like?
Calothamnus villosus is an evergreen shrub, meaning it keeps its leaves all year round. It can grow up to about 2 metres (7 ft) tall. Its leaves are arranged one after another along the stem. They are long and thin, like needles.
The flowers are a bright blood-red color. They grow in clusters that look like a bottlebrush, about 30 millimetres (1 in) long. These clusters appear on one side of the stem, usually on the new growth from the previous year. Each flower has 5 sepals, which are small leaf-like parts that protect the bud. These sepals are very hairy on the outside. There are also 5 petals and 5 bundles of stamens. Stamens are the parts of the flower that produce pollen. These bundles look like claws and are at least 30 millimetres (1 in) long.
When Does the Woolly Net-Bush Flower?
The woolly net-bush flowers for a long time, from March all the way to December. After the flowers fade, they turn into fruits. These fruits are smooth, woody, and roundish capsules. A capsule is a dry fruit that splits open to release seeds. These capsules have two noticeable thick bumps at the top.
How Did the Woolly Net-Bush Get Its Name?
The plant Calothamnus villosus was first officially described in 1812. This was done by a famous botanist named Robert Brown. He wrote about it in a book called Hortus Kewensis.
The second part of its scientific name, villosus, comes from a Latin word. It means "hairy." This name likely refers to the hairy sepals on its flowers.
Where Does the Woolly Net-Bush Grow?
The woolly net-bush grows in a specific area of Western Australia. You can find it from the city of Albany all the way to Esperance. It is most common in places like the Cape Le Grand National Park and the Mount Burdett Nature Reserve. This plant usually grows in thick groups on sand, gravel, or rocky areas over granite.
Images for kids
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Foliage of Calothamnus villosus
