Eremophila perglandulosa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eremophila perglandulosa |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Eremophila (plant)
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| Species: |
perglandulosa
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Eremophila perglandulosa is a beautiful flowering plant that belongs to the figwort family. This special plant is only found in Western Australia, which means it is endemic there. It grows as a low, spreading bush with small leaves. These leaves have many tiny, sticky hairs called glandular hairs. The plant also has lovely mauve or purple flowers.
Contents
What Does It Look Like?
Eremophila perglandulosa is a bush that spreads out and can grow up to about 1 meter (3 feet) tall. Its branches are covered in many hairs. The leaves usually grow one after another along the branches. They are shaped like an oval or a spear, about 5 to 9.5 millimeters (0.2 to 0.4 inches) long. They are also about 1.5 to 2 millimeters (0.06 to 0.08 inches) wide. These leaves are covered with both simple and sticky glandular hairs.
The Flowers
The flowers grow one by one where the leaves meet the stem. Each flower sits on a stalk about 4 to 6 millimeters (0.16 to 0.24 inches) long. This stalk also has sticky glandular hairs and longer, stiff hairs.
There are 5 overlapping, spear-shaped sepals that protect the flower bud. They are about 5.5 to 9 millimeters (0.2 to 0.4 inches) long. These sepals are partly hairy, especially along their edges and tips.
The petals are joined together at their bottom to form a tube. The petals are about 12 to 15 millimeters (0.5 to 0.6 inches) long. The outside of the petal tube is purple or mauve. Inside, the tube is white with purple spots. The lower part of the bottom petal also has these spots.
The outside of the petal tube and its lobes (the flared parts) are hairy. The inside of the lobes is smooth, meaning it has no hairs. However, the inside of the tube is full of long, soft hairs. The 4 stamens, which are the parts that produce pollen, are completely hidden inside the petal tube.
Fruits and Flowering Time
Eremophila perglandulosa flowers from October to January. After the flowers, the plant produces fruits. These fruits are dry, woody, and shaped like an oval or a bottle. They are about 5 millimeters (0.2 inches) long and have a papery covering.
How Was It Named?
The plant was first officially described in 2007 by a scientist named Robert Chinnock. He published his description in a book about Eremophila plants.
The plant's specific name, perglandulosa, comes from two Latin words. "Per-" means 'very', and "-glandulosa" means 'glandular'. This name refers to the many sticky glandular hairs found on the branches, leaves, and other parts of this plant.
Where Does It Grow?
Eremophila perglandulosa is only found in a few places near Cundeelee and Zanthus in Western Australia. These areas are part of the Coolgardie region. It likes to grow in sandy soils in low Eucalyptus woodlands. You can often find it growing alongside other Eremophila plants.
Is It Protected?
The Government of Western Australia's Department of Parks and Wildlife has classified this species as "Priority One". This means that the plant is known from only a few locations. These locations might be at risk, so the plant needs special attention and protection.
Growing This Plant in Your Garden
This small shrub has delicate leaves and small, pretty blue to purple flowers. You can grow new plants from cuttings taken during warmer months. It grows well in most types of soil, as long as it gets plenty of sun or some shade. This plant is very tough! It can handle long periods without rain (droughts) and also cold frosts.
