Coppercups facts for kids
The Coppercups, also known by its scientific name Pileanthus peduncularis, is a special type of plant. It's a beautiful shrub that grows only in Western Australia. It belongs to the Myrtaceae family, which also includes plants like eucalyptus.
Quick facts for kids Coppercups |
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|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Pileanthus
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| Species: |
peduncularis
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Contents
About Coppercups
Coppercups is a low, spreading shrub. It usually grows up to about 1.5 metres (4.9 ft) tall. This plant is famous for its amazing copper-orange to red flowers. They bloom between August and December, creating a beautiful display.
What Does It Look Like?
The flowers are quite large, about 18 to 22 millimetres (0.71 to 0.87 in) across. They have five petals and grow at the ends of the branches or from where the leaves meet the stem. The leaves of the Coppercups are small and thin, only about 4 mm (0.16 in) long. They stay green all year round.
Where Does It Grow?
You can find Coppercups growing in sandy areas. It likes sand plains and sand dunes. It lives in several regions of Western Australia, including the Pilbara, Mid West, Wheatbelt, and Swan Coastal Plain.
Its Scientific Name
The Coppercups plant was first officially described in 1838. A botanist named Stephan Endlicher gave it the scientific name Pileanthus peduncularis. This happened as part of his work called Stirpium Australasicarum Herbarii Hugeliani Decades Tres. For a long time, it was also known by another name, Chamelaucium dilatatum.
Different Types of Coppercups
Scientists have found two slightly different types, or subspecies, of Coppercups:
- Pileanthus peduncularis subsp. pilifer
- Pileanthus peduncularis subsp. peduncularis
See also
- In Spanish: Pileanthus para niños
