Eremophila capricornica facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eremophila capricornica |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Eremophila (plant)
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| Species: |
capricornica
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Eremophila capricornica is a beautiful flowering plant that belongs to the figwort family. It is a special plant because it only grows in Western Australia. This small shrub has fuzzy branches, grey, hairy leaves, and pretty mauve or lilac-colored flowers. Its flowers have fuzzy sepals, which are like little leaves that protect the flower bud.
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What Does This Plant Look Like?
Eremophila capricornica is a small shrub. It usually grows about 50 to 75 centimeters (about 20 to 30 inches) tall and wide. Its branches are covered in a thick, woolly fuzz.
The leaves grow in a special way. They are grouped together near the ends of the branches. These leaves are grey and shaped like a spear, wider at the bottom. They are about 8 to 12 millimeters (about 0.3 to 0.5 inches) long and 3 to 4 millimeters (about 0.1 to 0.2 inches) wide.
The flowers grow one by one where the leaves meet the stem. Each flower sits on a fuzzy stalk that is about 2 to 3 millimeters (about 0.08 to 0.12 inches) long. There are 5 spear-shaped sepals, which are dark green to grey and fuzzy. They are about 6 to 9 millimeters (about 0.2 to 0.4 inches) long.
The petals are mauve to lilac-colored. They are about 15 to 20 millimeters (about 0.6 to 0.8 inches) long. These petals join together at the bottom to form a flattened, bell-shaped tube. The inside and outside of this tube are mostly smooth. The four stamens, which are the parts that make pollen, are hidden inside the petal tube. This plant mainly flowers from June to August.
How It Got Its Name
The plant Eremophila capricornica was officially described for the first time in 2016. This was done by two scientists, Bevan Buirchell and Andrew Brown. Their description was published in a science journal called Nuytsia.
The second part of its name, capricornica, tells us something important. It refers to the Tropic of Capricorn. This plant grows very close to that imaginary line around the Earth.
Where Does This Plant Grow?
This special eremophila plant is found in Western Australia. You can find it between the towns of Newman and Jigalong. It grows in an area called the Gascoyne region. It likes to grow in shrublands where there are many Acacia plants and a lot of grass underneath.
Is This Plant Safe?
The Government of Western Australia's Department of Parks and Wildlife has given Eremophila capricornica a special status. It is classified as "Priority One".
This means that the plant is only known to grow in one or a few places. These locations could be at risk, which means the plant needs to be protected. It's important to keep an eye on these plants to make sure they don't disappear.
