Eremophila ballythunnensis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eremophila ballythunnensis |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Eremophila (plant)
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| Species: |
ballythunnensis
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The Eremophila ballythunnensis is a special flowering plant. It belongs to the figwort family, called Scrophulariaceae. This plant is only found in Western Australia, meaning it is endemic there. It grows as a small, spreading shrub. You can spot it by its narrow, oval-shaped leaves and its pretty mauve-purple flowers. These flowers have very hairy sepals, which are like small leaves that protect the flower bud.
What it Looks Like
The Eremophila ballythunnensis is a small, spreading shrub. It usually grows about 10 to 20 centimeters (4 to 8 inches) tall. It can spread out to be about 25 to 40 centimeters (10 to 16 inches) wide.
Its leaves are grey-green and grow in an alternating pattern along the stem. They are narrow and oval-shaped. Each leaf is about 4 to 12 millimeters (0.16 to 0.47 inches) long and 2 to 5 millimeters (0.08 to 0.20 inches) wide.
The flowers grow one by one where the leaves meet the stem. Each flower sits on a hairy stalk that is about 5 to 7 millimeters (0.20 to 0.28 inches) long. There are five green, lance-shaped sepals that are very hairy. These sepals are about 8 to 12 millimeters (0.31 to 0.47 inches) long. They turn a burgundy color as they get older.
The petals of the flower are purple. They are about 14 to 20 millimeters (0.55 to 0.79 inches) long. The petals join together at the bottom to form a flattened, bell-shaped tube. This tube is smooth both inside and out. Inside the petal tube, there are four stamens, which are the parts that produce pollen. This plant mainly flowers from June to August.
How it Was Named
The Eremophila ballythunnensis was officially described in 2016. This was done by two scientists, Bevan Buirchell and Andrew Brown. Their description was published in a science journal called Nuytsia.
The plant's specific name, ballythunnensis, comes from "Ballythunna" Station. This is the place where the plant was first discovered.
Where it Lives
This type of eremophila plant is found in a region of Western Australia called the Murchison. It likes to grow in shallow soil on rocky hills made of quartzite. You can often find it growing alongside Acacia plants and other kinds of Eremophila species.
Protecting the Plant
The Government of Western Australia's Department of Parks and Wildlife has given Eremophila ballythunnensis a special classification. It is listed as "Priority One". This means that the plant is only known to exist in one or a few places. These locations could be at risk, so the plant needs special protection to survive.
