Gastrolobium propinquum facts for kids

Gastrolobium propinquum is a type of shrub that belongs to the pea family, Fabaceae. It grows only in certain parts of Southwest Australia. This plant is known to be poisonous to many animals. Because of this, it is often called Hutt River poison.

What Gastrolobium propinquum Looks Like

This plant is a low-growing and bushy shrub. It can reach a height of about 1 to 1.8 metres (about 3 to 6 feet).

Its flowers usually appear from June to September in its natural home. These flowers are a mix of orange, yellow, and red. They have chestnut brown parts called bracts. The flowers grow in long, thin clusters called racemes. These flower clusters stick out beyond the ends of the branches. They also appear where the leaves meet the stems.

The branches of the plant can spread out, grow straight up, or grow in circles around the stem. The smaller branches are angled. The leaves grow in groups of three. Each leaf is about 30 to 50 millimetres (1.2 to 2 inches) long. They are slightly folded along the middle vein and have a fine point at the tip.

It can be tricky to tell Gastrolobium propinquum apart from a similar plant, Gastrolobium oxylobioides. The easiest way to tell them apart is when they are both in flower.

How This Plant Got Its Name

The scientific name for this plant, Gastrolobium propinquum, was officially given in 1955. It was described by a botanist named C.A.Gardner. He wrote about it in a publication called New Species of Toxic Plants from Western Australia, which was part of The Western Australian Naturalist.

The second part of its name, propinquum, comes from a Latin word meaning "closely connected." This name was chosen because the plant is very similar to Gastrolobium oxylobioides.

Where Gastrolobium propinquum Grows

This plant is usually found on hills and flat areas. It likes places that have good drainage and areas that get wet during certain seasons. You can often find it growing in clay, sandy, or clay-loam soils. It also grows in areas with granite and shale rocks.

Gastrolobium propinquum is known to grow in two main regions of Western Australia. These are the Avon Wheatbelt and the Geraldton Sandplains, which is located to the west.