Eremophila splendens facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eremophila splendens |
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| Eremophila splendens growing in Kings Park, Perth | |
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| Genus: |
Eremophila (plant)
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| Species: |
splendens
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Eremophila splendens is a beautiful flowering plant that belongs to the figwort family. You can only find this special shrub in Western Australia. It has pretty red flowers and is covered in tiny, sticky hairs.
What it Looks Like
Eremophila splendens can grow in a few ways. Sometimes it stands tall, like a small bush, up to about 1 meter (3 feet) high. Other times, it spreads out low to the ground.
Its branches and leaves are covered in two kinds of hairs. Some are tiny and sticky, called glandular hairs. Others are longer and soft. The leaves grow one after another along the branches. They are shaped like eggs and overlap each other. Each leaf is about 2.5 to 3.2 centimeters (1 to 1.3 inches) long. They are also about 1.1 to 1.4 centimeters (0.4 to 0.6 inches) wide.
The flowers grow one by one where the leaves meet the stem. They sit on short stalks, about 0.5 to 1 centimeter (0.2 to 0.4 inches) long. Each flower has five green, hairy parts called sepals at its base. These sepals are different sizes.
The bright red or orange-red petals are joined together at the bottom, forming a tube. This tube is about 2.8 to 3 centimeters (1.1 to 1.2 inches) long. The ends of the petals spread out wide. The outside of the flower tube is hairy, but the inside is mostly smooth. Four long parts, called stamens, stick out from the end of the petal tube.
This plant usually flowers between May and September. After the flowers, small, round fruits grow. These fruits are called drupes. They are about 0.6 to 0.8 centimeters (0.2 to 0.3 inches) across and have a smooth, papery covering.
How We Name Plants
Robert Chinnock first officially described Eremophila splendens in 2007. He wrote about it in a book called Eremophila and Allied Genera: A Monograph of the Plant Family Myoporaceae.
The second part of its name, splendens, comes from a Latin word. It means "brilliant" or "glorious." This name was chosen because of the plant's "attractive" flowers.
Where it Grows
You can find this special eremophila plant in Western Australia. It grows in yellow sand near the Shark Bay and Steep Point areas. These places are part of the Yalgoo region.
Why it's Special
The Western Australian Government's Department of Parks and Wildlife lists Eremophila splendens as "Priority One". This means it is a very important plant.
Being "Priority One" means we only know about this plant in a few places. These spots might be at risk, so it's important to protect them.
Growing This Plant
Eremophila splendens is one of the most beautiful eremophila plants. It has soft, grey leaves and many bright orange-red flowers. These flowers are great for attracting birds that feed on nectar.
This plant grows quickly, but sometimes it doesn't live for a very long time. You can easily grow new plants from cuttings. It can grow in many different kinds of soil, but it likes full sun the best. It only needs water sometimes during long dry periods. It can also handle frost very well.
