Downy starbush facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Downy starbush |
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| Asterolasia phebalioides in the ANBG | |
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| Genus: |
Asterolasia
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| Species: |
phebalioides
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| Synonyms | |
The Downy Starbush (scientific name: Asterolasia phebalioides) is a special kind of shrub. It belongs to the Rutaceae family, which also includes citrus plants! This plant is found only in south-eastern Australia. It has unique leaves that are packed closely together. These leaves are shaped like hearts or wedges and are covered in tiny, star-shaped hairs. The Downy Starbush also has pretty yellow flowers. Each flower grows by itself at the end of a branch. The back of its petals are also covered in those cool star-shaped hairs.
What Does the Downy Starbush Look Like?
The Downy Starbush is a small shrub. It usually grows to about 50 centimeters (about 20 inches) tall. Its stems and leaves are covered in soft, woolly, grey hairs. It also has shiny, star-shaped hairs that can be silver or rust-colored.
Its leaves are very close together on short branches. They are shaped like a wedge or a heart. Each leaf is about 5 to 7 millimeters long. That's less than half an inch! These leaves are also covered in lots of star-shaped hairs.
The flowers are yellow and grow one by one at the end of the branches. At the bottom of each flower, there are five small, scaly leaves called bracts. The flower's petals are wide and oval-shaped. They are about 6 to 10 millimeters long. The back of the petals are covered in star-shaped hairs, just like the leaves. You can usually see these flowers blooming from September to December.
Where Does the Downy Starbush Grow?
The Downy Starbush is found only in south-eastern Australia. It likes to grow in different places. You can find it in woodlands, forests, and open heath areas.
In Victoria, Australia, it grows in the Grampians and Little Desert regions. It also lives on Kangaroo Island in South Australia.
Why is the Downy Starbush Important?
The Downy Starbush is listed as "vulnerable" by the Australian Government. This means it's a plant that needs our help to survive. There aren't as many of these plants as there used to be.
A special plan has been made to help protect it. Some of the biggest dangers to the Downy Starbush include:
- Clearing land: When forests or woodlands are cut down for farms or buildings, the plants lose their homes.
- Weeds: Invasive weeds can grow quickly and take over the space where the Downy Starbush lives. They can also steal water and nutrients.
- Disease: A fungus called Phytophthora cinnamomi can cause a disease that harms or kills the plants.
By understanding these threats, people can work to protect this unique Australian shrub.
