Corky net-bush facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Corky net-bush |
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| Calothamnus gibbosus leaves and flowers | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Calothamnus
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| Species: |
gibbosus
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| Synonyms | |
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Melaleuca protumida Craven & R.D.Edwards |
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Calothamnus gibbosus, also known as the corky net-bush, is a unique plant. It belongs to the myrtle family, called Myrtaceae. This plant grows only in the southwest part of Western Australia. It's special because of its thick, corky bark. The flowers and most of the fruits are hidden inside this bark. Only the colorful petals and stamens (the parts that make pollen) peek out. (Some scientists suggested renaming it Melaleuca protumida in 2014.)
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What Does It Look Like?
The corky net-bush is a shrub that stands upright and spreads out. It can grow to about 1.5 meters (5 feet) tall. It has very thick, corky bark.
Its leaves are stiff and round if you cut them in half. They are usually 30 to 80 millimeters (about 1 to 3 inches) long. Each leaf ends in a sharp, prickly point.
Flowers and Fruits
The flowers of the corky net-bush first look like bumpy growths on the branches. When they open, the main part of the flower (called the hypanthium) stays buried in the corky bark. Only the petals and stamens stick out.
The petals surround five groups of red stamens. These groups look a bit like claws. Each group has 7 to 11 stamens. The plant flowers from May to December. After flowering, it produces woody fruits called capsules. These fruits are also mostly hidden inside the corky bark.
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How It Got Its Name
The plant Calothamnus gibbosus was first officially described in 1867. A botanist named George Bentham gave it this name. He studied a plant sample collected by James Drummond near the Gairdner River.
The second part of its name, gibbosus, is a Latin word. It means "humped" or "having a hump." This name likely refers to the plant's unique bumpy or corky appearance.
Where Does It Grow?
The corky net-bush is found in a specific area of Western Australia. It grows between the Lort River and the Stirling Range. You can usually find it at least 10 kilometers (6 miles) away from the coast.
It prefers to grow in sandy clay soils. Sometimes, these soils are found over gravel or a hard, reddish rock layer called laterite. This plant is part of the Esperance Plains and Mallee regions.
Is It Endangered?
The Western Australian Government's Department of Parks and Wildlife has studied this plant. They have classified Calothamnus gibbosus as "not threatened." This means it is not currently at risk of disappearing.
