Slender smokebush facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Slender smokebush |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Conospermum
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| Species: |
huegelii
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The Conospermum huegelii, also known as the slender smokebush, is a special plant found only in Western Australia. When a plant is found only in one specific area, we say it is endemic to that place.
Contents
What is the Slender Smokebush Like?
The slender smokebush grows in a clumpy shape, like a small bush. It usually reaches a height of about 0.2 to 1 meter (which is about 0.7 to 3.3 feet) tall. This plant is a perennial herb, meaning it lives for more than two years.
Flowers and Leaves
The slender smokebush shows off its beautiful blue-cream flowers between July and October. These flowers grow on smooth stalks that can be up to 60 centimeters (about 2 feet) tall. The flowers are grouped together near the tips of these stalks. Each blue flower is shaped like a small tube and is about 0.75 centimeters (0.3 inches) long.
Its leaves are soft and look like needles. They curve inwards and can be anywhere from 5 to 20 centimeters (2 to 8 inches) long.
Where Does it Grow?
You can find the slender smokebush in wet, swampy areas. It also likes to grow near big granite rocks. It lives in the Swan Coastal Plain and the Darling Range in Western Australia. It prefers sandy or gravelly soils.
How Was it Named?
This plant was first officially described by a botanist named Stephan Endlicher in 1838. He wrote about it in a book called Stirpium Australasicarum Herbarii Hugeliani Decades Tres. The plant's scientific name, huegelii, was given to honor another botanist, Karl von Hugel.
Growing Slender Smokebush
The slender smokebush is a very attractive plant. People often grow it in their gardens or in pots because it looks so nice. Its flowers are also popular for decorations because they last a long time after being picked.
It can be a bit tricky to get this plant started. You can grow new plants from cuttings, which are small pieces taken from an existing plant. You can also try to grow it from seeds.
