Eurardy magenta facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eurardy magenta |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Verticordia
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| Species: |
× eurardyensis
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The Eurardy magenta (scientific name: Verticordia × eurardyensis) is a beautiful flowering plant. It belongs to the myrtle family, called Myrtaceae. This plant is very special because it is found only in a small part of Western Australia.
It looks a lot like two other plants, Verticordia dichroma and Verticordia spicata, which grow in the same area. Scientists believe the Eurardy magenta is a natural hybrid (a mix) of these two species. It has mostly egg-shaped leaves. Its flowers are a dark magenta color and grow in spike-like groups. They bloom in late spring and early summer, and then their color fades to a straw-like yellow.
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What it Looks Like
The Eurardy magenta is a shrub that usually grows between 0.3 m (1 ft) and 1.0 m (3 ft) tall. It can also spread out up to 0.45 m (1 ft) wide. Its leaves are arranged in pairs, one opposite the other, and each pair is at a right angle to the pair below it. This is called a decussate arrangement. The leaves are shaped like eggs or ovals, are slightly cupped, and are about 1 mm (0.04 in) to 4 mm (0.2 in) long. Their edges might have tiny hairs or small teeth.
The flowers of the Eurardy magenta have a lovely scent. They grow in spike-like clusters near the ends of the branches. Each flower sits on a small stalk about 0.5 mm (0.02 in) long. The base of the flower, called the floral cup, is shaped like a top and is about 3 mm (0.1 in) long. It has five ribs and large green parts attached to it. This floral cup is smooth and looks a bit wrinkled.
The sepals (leaf-like parts that protect the flower bud) are about 5 mm (0.20 in) long. They are dark magenta to maroon and spread outwards. Each sepal has 8 to 11 feathery parts. The petals (the colorful parts of the flower) are the same color as the sepals. They are about 3 mm (0.1 in) long and stand upright. They also have a fringe that is about 2 mm (0.08 in) long. The style, which is part of the flower's reproductive system, is about 6 mm (0.2 in) long, hairy, and bends near its tip.
This plant flowers from October to December. As mentioned, it seems to be a stable hybrid between V. dichroma and V. spicata. Both of these parent species grow in the same area.
How it was Named
The Eurardy magenta was first officially described in 1994 by two botanists, Elizabeth George and Alex George. They studied a sample of the plant that was collected from a place called Eurardy Reserve. Their description was published in a scientific journal called Nuytsia.
The second part of its scientific name, × eurardyensis, comes from the name of the place where it was found, Eurardy Reserve. The "×" symbol in the name shows that it is a hybrid plant.
Where it Grows
This special plant grows in sandy soil. You can find it in low heath and shrubland areas. It is only known to exist in the Eurardy Reserve. This reserve used to be a large farm (called a pastoral station) and is located north of Kalbarri National Park. It is part of a natural area known as the Geraldton Sandplains.
Protecting the Eurardy Magenta
The Eurardy magenta is classified as "Priority One" by the Western Australian Government's Department of Parks and Wildlife. This means that scientists know of only one or a few places where this plant grows. These locations could be at risk, so it's very important to protect this unique plant.
Growing it in Gardens
So far, only a few Eurardy magenta plants have been grown outside of their natural habitat. These have been grown in the Kings Park Botanic Garden in Western Australia. This shows how rare and delicate this plant is.
