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Goodenia arthrotricha facts for kids

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Goodenia arthrotricha
Goodenia arthrotricha.jpg
Conservation status

Declared rare (DEC)
Scientific classification
Genus:
Goodenia
Species:
arthrotricha
Synonyms

Goodenia bonneyana F.Muell.

Goodenia arthrotricha is a type of flowering plant found only in the south-western part of Western Australia. It belongs to the Goodeniaceae family. This plant is a tall, leafy herb that lives for many years. It has long, narrow leaves and pretty blue flowers that grow in clusters. After flowering, it produces small, oval-shaped fruits.

About This Plant

Goodenia arthrotricha is a straight, upright plant that can grow up to 40 centimetres (about 16 inches) tall. Its stems are smooth and do not have ribs.

Leaves and Flowers

The leaves of this plant are long and narrow, like a spearhead, with the widest part near the tip. They are usually 20 to 50 millimetres (about 0.8 to 2 inches) long and 3 to 5 millimetres (about 0.1 to 0.2 inches) wide. The leaves grow directly from the stem without a stalk. Leaves closer to the base of the plant are often larger than those higher up.

The blue flowers grow in groups called a thyrse, which can be up to 20 millimetres (about 0.8 inches) long. Each flower group sits on a stalk called a peduncle, which is 20 to 60 millimetres (about 0.8 to 2.4 inches) long. At the bottom of each flower group, there are small, narrow leaves called bracteoles, about 1.5 to 2.5 millimetres long. Each single flower has its own small stalk, called a pedicel, which is 3 to 7 millimetres long.

The sepals, which are like small leaves protecting the flower bud, are lance-shaped and 9 to 10 millimetres long. The petals form a blue corolla, which is the main part of the flower, and it is 40 to 20 millimetres long. The lower parts of the petals are about 5 millimetres long and have small "wings" about 2 millimetres wide.

When It Flowers and Fruits

This plant usually flowers from October to November. After the flowers bloom, they turn into oval-shaped fruits called capsules. These capsules are about 4 to 5 millimetres long.

Plant Name and History

The plant Goodenia arthrotricha was officially described for the first time in 1868. This was done by a botanist named George Bentham in his book Flora Australiensis. He used plant samples collected by James Drummond.

What Its Name Means

The second part of its scientific name, arthrotricha, comes from Greek words. It means "jointed hair," which likely refers to a feature of the plant's tiny hairs.

Where It Grows

This type of goodenia plant is found in the south-west of Western Australia. It likes to grow among granite rocks near a place called Wannamal. It lives in specific natural areas known as the Avon Wheatbelt, Jarrah Forest, and Swan Coastal Plain.

How It Is Protected

Goodenia arthrotricha is considered a "Threatened Flora." This means it is a rare plant that needs special protection. The Department of Environment and Conservation (Western Australia) has officially listed it as a rare plant that still exists in the wild.

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