Harlequin bell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Harlequin bell |
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| Darwinia polychroma | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Darwinia
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| Species: |
polychroma
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| Collections data from AVH | |
The Darwinia polychroma, often called the Harlequin bell, is a special plant. It belongs to the myrtle family, just like eucalyptus trees. This plant is endemic to Western Australia, which means it grows naturally only in that part of the world.
What is the Harlequin Bell Plant?
The Harlequin bell is a type of shrub. It usually grows to be about 1.2 metres (4 ft) tall. Its leaves are simple and have a raised line down the middle, like a boat's keel. They are small, only about 3 to 4 millimetres (0.12 to 0.16 in) long and 1 mm (0.04 in) wide.
The most interesting part of this plant is its flowers. They are surrounded by special leaves called bracts. These bracts are wide and come in bright colors like green, red, and yellow. They form a bell shape, about 1 to 2 centimetres (0.39 to 0.79 in) long, which holds many small, tube-shaped flowers inside.
Where Does the Harlequin Bell Live?
The Harlequin bell is quite rare. It is only found in a small area of Western Australia. This area is located between the towns of Perenjori and Carnamah, in a region known as the Wheatbelt.
This plant prefers to grow in sandy soils. Its entire natural home covers an area of about 10 kilometres (6 mi). There are only a few groups of these plants left. Three of these groups are found along roads or railway lines, and one group is on private land.
Why is the Harlequin Bell Endangered?
Sadly, the Harlequin bell is an endangered species. This means it is at a high risk of disappearing forever. There are fewer than 200 plants left in total.
It grows in open areas with low scrub or other small shrubs. You might find it near plants like Melaleuca species, Acacia ligulata, mallee (which are types of Eucalyptus trees), and Exocarpos species. These plants usually grow together in yellow, sandy soil that sits on top of a hard layer called laterite. Protecting these small groups of plants is very important to help the Harlequin bell survive.
