Tjiilka-tjiilka facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tjiilka-tjiilka |
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|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Grevillea
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| Species: |
spinosa
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The Spiny Grevillea (scientific name: Grevillea spinosa) is a type of evergreen shrub. It belongs to the Grevillea plant family. This plant grows naturally in parts of Western Australia. You can find it in the eastern Mid West, northern Goldfields-Esperance, and southern Pilbara regions.
About the Spiny Grevillea
What Does It Look Like?
This prickly shrub usually grows to be about 1 to 2 meters (3 to 6.5 feet) tall. Its branches do not have a waxy, whitish coating. The leaves are simple but deeply cut, almost like a feather. Each leaf blade is about 25 to 60 millimeters (1 to 2.5 inches) long.
The Spiny Grevillea blooms from May to September. It produces clusters of green or yellow flowers at the end of its branches. These flowers have bright orange styles, which are part of the plant's reproductive system. After flowering, it forms red-brown fruits. These fruits are hairy and shaped like an oval, about 9 to 14 millimeters (0.35 to 0.55 inches) long.
The plant has papery bark that peels off in long strips. This is similar to how the bark of a "minni ritchi" tree peels. The Spiny Grevillea can only grow new plants from its seeds. It looks a bit like Grevillea pteridifolia and Grevillea eriostachya. However, those plants have longer, softer leaf parts that are not prickly.
Where Does It Grow?
You can find Grevillea spinosa around a town called Wiluna. Its habitat stretches from the Canning Stock Route to the Little Sandy Desert. It also grows as far south as Yeelirrie Station. This plant prefers stony ridges and soils that are gravelly, sandy, or loamy. Often, it grows on top of sandstone.
How Is It Used?
People sometimes use the Spiny Grevillea in gardens. It can create a natural screen or a hedge. Because it is prickly, it can also act as a barrier. This plant is quite tough. It can handle dry soils and even light frosts.
