Grahamia australiana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Grahamia australiana |
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Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Anacampserotaceae |
| Genus: | Grahamia |
| Species: |
G. australiana
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| Binomial name | |
| Grahamia australiana J.M. Black G.D.Rowley
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| Synonyms | |
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Grahamia australiana is a special type of plant. It belongs to the family called Anacampserotaceae. This plant is found only in Australia, which means it is endemic there. Many people might know it better as Anacampseros australiana. However, scientists now believe that the Anacampseros group of plants only grows in Africa.
Contents
What Does It Look Like?
Grahamia australiana is a perennial succulent herb. This means it's a small plant that lives for more than two years. It stores water in its thick, fleshy parts. Its branches are soft and bendy.
Leaves and Roots
The plant has juicy leaves that grow directly on the stems. They are arranged one after another near the tips of the branches. Its roots are thick and swollen, like small potatoes. These roots help the plant store water and nutrients.
Flowers and Stems
The flowering stems grow upwards and can reach about 20 centimeters (8 inches) tall. They have leaves near their base. The leaves themselves are shaped like a spoon or an egg, sometimes more oval. They are usually 1 to 2.5 centimeters long and 5 to 12 millimeters wide. Each leaf has a sharp point at its tip and is covered in tiny hairs.
How the Flowers Grow
The plant's flowers grow in small groups called cymes. A cyme is a type of flower cluster. Each flower has five white or pinkish petals. These petals are 5 to 15 millimeters long. There are also 8 to 10 stamens, which are the parts that produce pollen. The plant's ovary, where the seeds develop, is round and contains many tiny ovules.
Fruits and Seeds
After flowering, the plant produces a fruit. This fruit is 5 to 12 millimeters long and splits into three parts. The outer layer of the fruit falls off early. The inner part is a thin membrane that stays on. This membrane is surrounded by stiff, white, bristly remains. Inside, the fruit holds many pyramid-shaped seeds.
Where Does It Grow?
Grahamia australiana is found only in Australia. You can see it in several states and territories. These include New South Wales, Queensland, the Northern Territory, and South Australia.
Preferred Habitat
This plant likes to grow in rocky areas. It can be found on hills, ranges, or raised ground. It prefers rocks that are neutral or acidic. Often, you'll spot it growing out of cracks in rocks or between large boulders.
Flowering Season
Grahamia australiana can flower throughout the entire year. Its fruits usually appear about one month after the flowers bloom.
