Calytrix leschenaultii facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Calytrix leschenaultii |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Calytrix
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| Species: |
leschenaultii
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| Synonyms | |
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Calycothrix leschenaultii Schauer |
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The Calytrix leschenaultii is a beautiful flowering plant that belongs to the Myrtaceae family, also known as the myrtle family. This special shrub is only found in the southwest part of Western Australia. It usually grows to be about 15 to 100 centimeters (6 to 39 inches) tall.
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What does the Calytrix leschenaultii look like?
When it's not flowering, this plant looks quite simple. Its small, oval-shaped leaves have a light scent. They grow along the thin branches in a pattern where each leaf is on a different side, one after another. This is a common way leaves grow in the myrtle family.
Its amazing flowers
The Calytrix leschenaultii truly shines when it is covered in flowers. These star-shaped flowers are a bright purple color. They have white or yellow stamens, which are the parts that hold pollen. These stamens often change to a red color as they get older.
You can see these flowers between June and November in its natural home. Sometimes, you might even find plants with white, blue, or pink flowers. The name Calytrix comes from the fine hairs or "awns" found on the calyx of the flowers. The calyx is the green part that protects the flower bud. Both birds and insects help to pollinate these plants.
How did this plant get its name?
The Calytrix leschenaultii was first officially described in 1844 by a scientist named Johannes Conrad Schauer. He wrote about it in a book called Plantae Preissianae. At that time, he gave it the name Calycothrix leschenaultii.
Later, in 1867, another scientist named George Bentham moved the plant to a different group, or "genus," called Calytrix. This is why its full scientific name is now Calytrix leschenaultii.
Where does the Calytrix leschenaultii grow?
This plant is found only in the southwest part of Australia. You can find it in an area that stretches roughly from Kalbarri all the way to Israelite Bay. It loves to grow in open, sandy areas called heathland.
Can you grow Calytrix leschenaultii at home?
Even though you don't often see Calytrix leschenaultii in gardens, it is actually very good at handling Australia's tough weather. If you give it a sunny spot with sandy soil, it can survive both very dry periods and cold frosts.
The best way to grow new plants is by taking small pieces (cuttings) from an existing plant. It's usually not grown from seeds.
