Elkhorn coneflower facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Elkhorn coneflower |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Isopogon
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| Species: |
alcicornis
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| Occurrence data from Australasian Virtual Herbarium | |
The Isopogon alcicornis, commonly known as the elkhorn coneflower, is a unique plant. It belongs to the Proteaceae family, which includes many interesting flowers. This plant is endemic to a specific area on the south coast of Western Australia. This means it grows naturally only in that region. It's a small shrub with leaves that look a bit like elk horns, and it produces pretty white or pink flowers.
Contents
What Does It Look Like?
The elkhorn coneflower is a shrub that usually grows to about 45 centimeters (about 1.5 feet) tall. Its small branches are often covered in fine, pale brown or gray hairs.
Leaves and Flowers
The leaves of this plant are quite special. They are usually divided into two to five flat parts, which gives them a shape similar to an elk's antlers. These leaf parts can be long and narrow, measuring from 10 to 40 centimeters (about 4 to 16 inches) long. They grow on a stalk called a petiole, which can be up to 15 centimeters long.
The flowers grow in oval or round heads, up to 40 millimeters (about 1.5 inches) wide. These flower heads are found at the ends of the branches. Each head contains hairy, pink flowers that are sometimes hidden by the leaves. There are also special leaf-like structures called involucral bracts at the base of the flower head.
When Does It Bloom?
The elkhorn coneflower mainly blooms from October to November. After flowering, it produces a hairy nut. These nuts are joined together in an oval head, which can be up to 25 millimeters (about 1 inch) wide.
How Was It Named?
The elkhorn coneflower, Isopogon alcicornis, was first officially described in 1903. This description was made by a botanist named Ludwig Diels. He wrote about it in a scientific journal called Botanische Jahrbücher für Systematik, Pflanzengeschichte und Pflanzengeographie.
Where Does It Grow?
The elkhorn coneflower grows in low shrubland areas. You can find it near Esperance and on Mount Baring, which is close to the Cape Arid National Park. Both these places are in the south-west of Western Australia.
Is It Protected?
This special plant is classified as "Priority Three" by the Government of Western Australia's Department of Parks and Wildlife. This classification means that we don't know a lot about this plant, and it's only found in a few locations. However, it is not currently in immediate danger of disappearing. This status helps scientists and conservationists keep an eye on it and protect its habitats.
