Eremaea purpurea facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eremaea purpurea |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Eremaea (plant)
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| Species: |
purpurea
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| Synonyms | |
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Melaleuca ostrina Craven & R.D.Edwards |
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Eremaea purpurea is a special plant that belongs to the myrtle family, called Myrtaceae. This plant grows only in the south-west part of Western Australia. It's a bush with straight branches and small leaves. You can spot its pretty purple flowers growing in pairs at the ends of its branches. After the flowers, it grows woody, cup-shaped fruits. These fruits open up when they are dry to release their seeds.
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What Does It Look Like?
Eremaea purpurea is a shrub, which means it's a type of bush. It can grow to be about 1 meter (about 3 feet) tall. Its branches stand up straight. When the stems are young, they are covered with lots of tiny hairs.
Leaves and Flowers
The leaves of this plant are narrow and shaped like an egg. They come to a point at the end. Each leaf is about 2 to 4.5 millimeters long and 2 to 2.5 millimeters wide. Sometimes, you can see a single vein on the underside of the leaf. The leaves also have a few long, soft hairs on their top surface and edges.
The flowers are usually pink to a deep pink color. They grow in pairs at the very ends of the branches. Each flower has 5 sepals, which are like small leaves that protect the bud. These sepals often have hairs on the outside. There are also 5 petals, which are the colorful parts of the flower. They are about 4.2 to 4.5 millimeters long.
The stamens are the parts that give the flower its bright color. They are grouped into 5 bundles. Each bundle can have between 14 and 33 stamens. This plant usually blooms from December to January.
Fruits and Seeds
After the flowers bloom, they turn into fruits. These fruits are woody capsules. They are shaped like a cup and are about 5.4 to 6.5 millimeters long. When these capsules dry out, they open up to release the tiny seeds inside.
Its Name and Family Tree
The plant Eremaea purpurea was first officially described in 1964. A scientist named Charles Gardner wrote about it in a scientific journal. The second part of its name, purpurea, comes from a Latin word. Purpureus means "purple," which describes the color of its flowers.
Where Does It Grow?
Eremaea purpurea is found in a few different areas in Western Australia. These areas include the Darling district, the Geraldton Sandplains, the Jarrah Forest, and the Swan Coastal Plain. It likes to grow in sandy soil. You can often find it along roadsides or in damp, low-lying areas.
Is It Safe?
The Western Australian Government's Department of Parks and Wildlife checks on plants like Eremaea purpurea. They have classified this plant as "not threatened." This means it is not currently in danger of disappearing.
