Eremophila pungens facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eremophila pungens |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Eremophila (plant)
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| Species: |
pungens
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The Eremophila pungens is a special kind of flowering plant. It belongs to the figwort family, also known as Scrophulariaceae. This plant is only found in Australia, which means it is endemic there. It grows as a sticky bush that stands upright. Its leaves are wide with jagged edges and end in a sharp point. When it blooms, it has beautiful purple or violet flowers.
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What it Looks Like
The Eremophila pungens is a bush that stands upright. It usually grows to be about 1 to 1.5 meters (3 to 5 feet) tall. Its branches are covered with many short, white hairs. They feel sticky, especially when they are young. This stickiness comes from a natural substance called resin.
Leaves and Branches
The leaves of this plant grow mostly in an alternating pattern. They are packed closely together near the ends of the branches. This makes them overlap each other. Each leaf is shaped like an egg. They are about 5 to 11 millimeters (0.2 to 0.4 inches) long and 1 millimeter (0.04 inches) wide. The leaves have short, fine, white hairs. Their edges are jagged, like a saw. Often, the resin on the leaves dries into a white coating. Each leaf also ends in a sharp, curved spine.
Flowers and Fruit
The flowers of the Eremophila pungens grow one by one. They appear where a leaf meets the stem. Each flower sits on a hairy stalk that is 9 to 28 millimeters (0.35 to 1.1 inches) long. There are five green to purple sepals. Sepals are small leaf-like parts that protect the flower bud. These sepals are 5 to 10 millimeters (0.2 to 0.4 inches) long and end in a spine.
The petals of the flower are joined together at the bottom to form a tube. This tube is 20 to 35 millimeters (0.8 to 1.4 inches) long. The outside of the petal tube is lilac, purple, or violet. The inside of the tube and the lower parts of the petals are whitish. They also have reddish-brown spots. The outside of the tube and petals are hairy. However, the inside of the petals is smooth. The tube itself is filled with long, soft hairs. The lowest petal often pushes up. This closes the opening of the flower tube. The four stamens, which are the parts that make pollen, are completely hidden inside the petal tube.
This plant usually flowers from June to August. After the flowers, it produces fruit. The fruit is dry, woody, and oval-shaped. It is about 7 to 12 millimeters (0.28 to 0.47 inches) long. The fruit has a hairy, papery covering.
Plant Naming
This plant was officially described in 2007. It was named by a scientist called Robert Chinnock. He published its description in a book about Eremophila plants.
Meaning of the Name
The second part of its scientific name, pungens, is a Latin word. It means "sharp," "piercing," or "biting." This name refers to the sharp, pointed tips of the plant's leaves.
Where it Lives
The Eremophila pungens plant grows in Western Australia. You can find it between the towns of Meekatharra and Wiluna. It prefers to grow on stony slopes in these areas.
Conservation Status
The Western Australian Government's Department of Parks and Wildlife has classified Eremophila pungens as "Priority Four". This means the plant is rare or nearly threatened. It needs to be watched and protected so it doesn't become endangered.
Growing this Plant
This plant grows slowly, but its lilac-colored flowers are very pretty. When you decide where to plant it, remember that its leaves are prickly.
How to Grow It
It is usually grown by grafting. This means taking a piece of Eremophila pungens and joining it onto another plant, often a Myoporum species. It grows best in soil that drains water well. It also likes a sunny spot or a place with some shade. The plant only needs water occasionally, especially during a long dry period. It can handle a bit of frost, but not too much.
