Goodenia byrnesii facts for kids

Goodenia byrnesii is a type of flowering plant found only in northern Australia. It belongs to the Goodeniaceae family. This plant is a low-growing herb that spreads out along the ground.

It has yellow flowers that grow in groups. Its leaves are shaped like spears or eggs.

What it Looks Like

Goodenia byrnesii is a low-lying plant with stems that can grow up to 30 centimeters (about 12 inches) long. The leaves at the bottom of the plant are shaped like a spear. They are about 3 to 6 centimeters (1.2 to 2.4 inches) long and 0.6 to 1 centimeter (0.2 to 0.4 inches) wide.

The leaves on the stems are shaped like eggs or are oblong. They are usually 4 to 6 centimeters (1.6 to 2.4 inches) long and 0.5 to 1 centimeter (0.2 to 0.4 inches) wide. These stem leaves attach directly to the stem without a stalk.

The yellow flowers grow in long clusters called racemes. These clusters can be up to 25 centimeters (about 10 inches) long. Each flower cluster grows on a stalk called a peduncle, which is 3 to 5 centimeters (1.2 to 2 inches) long. Small, leaf-like parts called bracts are found at the base of the flower stalks.

The green parts that protect the flower bud, called sepals, are narrow and about 5 to 6 millimeters (0.2 inches) long. The yellow petals are 17 to 20 millimeters (0.7 to 0.8 inches) long. The lower parts of the flower's petals have small "wings" about 1.5 millimeters (0.06 inches) wide.

This plant flowers from January to June. After flowering, it produces a round fruit called a capsule. This capsule is about 4 to 5 millimeters (0.16 to 0.2 inches) across.

Where it Grows

This type of goodenia plant likes to grow on black soil plains. You can find it in a few places in northern Australia. These include the Kimberley region of Western Australia. It also grows in the northern part of the Northern Territory. Finally, it can be found in the Burke district of north-west Queensland.

How it Got its Name

The plant Goodenia byrnesii was first officially described in 1990. This was done by a scientist named Roger Charles Carolin. He wrote about it in a science journal called Telopea.

The plant was named after Norman Byrnes. He was the botanist who collected the first samples of this plant near a place called Elliott. The second part of its scientific name, byrnesii, is a way to honor him.