Short leaved starflower facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Short leaved starflower |
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|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Calytrix
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| Species: |
brevifolia
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The Calytrix brevifolia, also known as the short-leaved starflower, is a special plant. It belongs to the myrtle family, called Myrtaceae. This plant grows only in Western Australia, which means it is endemic there.
Contents
Discover the Short-Leaved Starflower
What Does the Starflower Look Like?
The short-leaved starflower is a shrub. It usually grows to be about 0.3 to 2 meters (1 to 6.5 feet) tall. This plant has an upright shape.
Its flowers are shaped like stars and are pink. They bloom between August and January. The leaves are very small, only about 3 millimeters (0.1 inches) long. They are also quite thick.
The flowers are quite large compared to the leaves. They are about 15 to 20 millimeters (0.6 to 0.8 inches) wide. Their color ranges from deep pink to magenta. Each flower has a bright yellow center. You can also see fine hairs on the flowers. These hairs stick out from the calyx lobes, which are parts of the flower, past the petals.
Where Does the Starflower Grow?
You can often find the short-leaved starflower in certain areas of Western Australia. It grows in sandy soils. These areas include heathlands and woodlands.
It is found in coastal parts of the Mid West and Gascoyne regions. These places are known for their sandplains.
How Did It Get Its Name?
The short-leaved starflower has had a couple of different names over time. A botanist named Carl Meisner first described it in 1857. He called it Calycothrix brevifolia. This was written in a science journal.
Later, in 1867, another botanist named George Bentham reclassified it. He moved it into the genus Calytrix. This new classification was published in a large work about Australian plants.
