Enchylaena facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Enchylaena |
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| Enchylaena tomentosa | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Amaranthaceae |
| Subfamily: | Camphorosmoideae |
| Tribe: | Camphorosmeae |
| Genus: | Enchylaena R.Br. |
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Enchylaena is a group of two types of small, bushy plants. These plants are found only in Australia. People often call them barrier saltbushes because they can grow in salty areas. They are also known for their small, berry-like fruits.
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About Enchylaena Plants
Enchylaena plants are perennial shrubs. This means they are woody plants that live for more than two years. They stay alive through different seasons. These shrubs are usually small. They are well-suited to the dry conditions often found in Australia.
Discovery of the Genus
The Enchylaena group was first described in 1810. A famous botanist named Robert Brown named it. He also described the first known species, Enchylaena tomentosa, at that time. Over the years, other plants were thought to be part of Enchylaena. However, most of them were later moved to different plant groups. Or, they were found to be the same as E. tomentosa.
The Two Species
Today, there are only two species officially recognized in the Enchylaena genus:
- Enchylaena lanata
- Enchylaena tomentosa
The second species, Enchylaena lanata, was identified much later. It was described by Paul G. Wilson in 1984.
Where Enchylaena Grows
The two species of Enchylaena grow in different parts of Australia.
Enchylaena tomentosa Distribution
Enchylaena tomentosa is very common. You can find it growing across many different regions of Australia. It is well-adapted to various environments.
Enchylaena lanata Distribution
Enchylaena lanata is more specific about where it lives. This species is found only in Western Australia. It is endemic to that area, meaning it naturally grows nowhere else in the world.
