Glandular-haired eremophila facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Glandular-haired eremophila |
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| Conservation status | |
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| Genus: |
Eremophila (plant)
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| Species: |
adenotricha
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The Eremophila adenotricha, also known as the glandular-haired eremophila, is a type of flowering plant. It belongs to the figwort family, called Scrophulariaceae. This plant is special because it is endemic to a small part of south-west Western Australia. This means it naturally grows only in that specific area.
This plant is an upright shrub with leaves that feel sticky and smell nice. Its flowers can be pink, blue, or purple. It's not a common plant to see. It usually lives for a short time and grows best in open areas that have been disturbed, like after a fire or land clearing.
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What it Looks Like
The Eremophila adenotricha is a shrub that grows straight up and is quite compact. It can reach a height of about 1.4 m (5 ft). Its leaves and stems feel sticky because they are covered in tiny glandular hairs. These hairs are like tiny sticky bumps.
The leaves have a strong, pleasant smell. They grow one after another along the stem. Most leaves are about 20–30 mm (0.79–1.2 in) long and 1.3–2.5 mm (0.05–0.1 in) wide. They are long and thin, with a rounded tip.
Flowers and Fruit
The flowers grow one by one where the leaves meet the stem. They don't have a stalk. Each flower has 5 green, pointed parts called sepals. These sepals are similar in size, about 5–9 mm (0.2–0.4 in) long. Their outer surface is covered in those sticky glandular hairs.
The petals of the flower are about 16–30 mm (0.6–1 in) long. They are joined together at the bottom, forming a bell-shaped tube. The tube is usually purple or mauve, with purple spots inside. The ends of the petals are blunt. This plant flowers in spring and early summer. After the flowers, it produces oval-shaped fruits that are hairy near the top.
How it Got its Name
The Eremophila adenotricha was first officially described in 1870 by a scientist named George Bentham. He first called it Pholidia adenotricha. Later, in 1882, another scientist, Ferdinand von Mueller, changed its name to Eremophila adenotricha.
Meaning of the Name
The second part of its scientific name, adenotricha, comes from two old Ancient Greek words. The word ἀδήν (adḗn) means "gland", and θρίξ (thríx) means "hair". This name perfectly describes the plant's sticky, glandular hairs.
Where it Grows
This type of eremophila plant is very rare. It is only found in three places within the Avon Wheatbelt area of Western Australia. It seems to grow best in disturbed areas, like places where the soil has been moved around. It also prefers clay soils and tends to have a short life cycle.
Conservation Status
The Eremophila adenotricha is considered a special plant by the Government of Western Australia's Department of Parks and Wildlife. It is classified as "Priority One". This means that it is known to exist in only a few locations. These locations might be at risk, so the plant needs special protection to survive.
Growing This Plant
The glandular-haired eremophila grows quickly but doesn't live for a very long time. It has interesting leaves and beautiful deep purple flowers. You can grow new plants from cuttings, which are small pieces of the plant. Sometimes, it is also grafted onto another plant called Myoporum. Grafting means joining parts of two plants together so they grow as one.
This plant grows best in full sun. It can handle many different types of soil. It is also strong against frost and can survive dry periods. Because it grows in a compact shape, you usually don't need to prune it. However, since its leaves are sticky, it's probably not a good idea to grow it in very dusty places.
