Eremophila linsmithii facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eremophila linsmithii |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Eremophila (plant)
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| Species: |
linsmithii
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Eremophila linsmithii is a special plant found only in Queensland, Australia. It belongs to the figwort family of plants. This plant grows as an upright shrub, meaning it stands tall. It has narrow, sticky leaves and pretty white to pale purple flowers. You can only find it in the very south-west part of Queensland.
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What it Looks Like
Eremophila linsmithii is an upright, top-shaped shrub. It grows branches right from its base. Usually, it reaches a height of about 0.5 to 2.5 metres (1.6 to 8.2 ft).
Its branches, leaves, and sepals (the small leaf-like parts that protect the flower bud) are sticky and shiny. This is because they have a natural sticky substance called resin on them. The leaves grow one after another along the branches. They are typically 30-50 millimetres (1.2-2.0 in) long and 1-3 millimetres (0.039-0.118 in) wide. They are long and thin, and even though they have tiny hairs, the resin often covers them up.
The flowers grow one by one where the leaves meet the stem. Each flower has a stalk that is 10-25 millimetres (0.39-0.98 in) long. There are five green to reddish-brown sepals that overlap each other. These sepals are usually 3.5-8 millimetres (0.14-0.31 in) long. They get bigger after the flower has bloomed.
The five petals are 20-26 millimetres (0.79-1.02 in) long. They join together at their bottom to form a tube shape. This petal tube is white to pale lilac and feels smooth on the outside. Inside the tube, some parts of the petals are hairy, and the very inside of the tube is woolly. There are four stamens (the parts of the flower that produce pollen) hidden completely inside the tube. After the flower, a dry, flask-shaped fruit forms. It is about 6-8 millimetres (0.24-0.31 in) long and has a papery covering.
Plant Name and History
This plant was first officially described in 1978. A scientist named R.J.F. Henderson wrote about it in a science journal. The second part of its scientific name, linsmithii, is a way to honor an Australian plant expert named Lindsay Stuart Smith.
Where it Grows
Eremophila linsmithii is found in the very south-western part of Queensland. It likes to grow along natural water paths and on rocky hillsides. You can often find it growing near mulga trees and other types of eremophila plants.
Looking After This Plant
The Queensland Government says that Eremophila linsmithii is a plant of "least concern." This means there are enough of them, and they are not currently in danger of disappearing.
Growing Eremophila linsmithii in Your Garden
This type of eremophila is a tough shrub. It has bright green leaves and large, pretty flowers. It's a great choice if you want a garden that doesn't need a lot of work!
You can grow new plants from cuttings (small pieces of the plant). It can grow in most types of soil, even heavy clay. It only needs water sometimes if there's a very long dry period. This plant can handle light frosts. If a really bad frost damages it, you can prune it back, and it will grow new, healthy parts.
