Homoranthus elusus facts for kids

Homoranthus elusus is a special plant that belongs to the Myrtaceae family, also known as the myrtle family. This plant is very rare! It only grows naturally in a tiny part of the Northern Tablelands in New South Wales, Australia. It's a small shrub with thin, straight leaves. Its pretty flowers grow in groups of up to four, right where the leaves meet the stem. So far, we only know about one plant ever found near Tenterfield.

What Does Homoranthus elusus Look Like?

This plant is a small, upright shrub. It has tiny flowers that stand up straight. These flowers grow in groups of two to four. You can find them at the very tips of the branches, where the leaves join the stem. Homoranthus elusus blooms during July and August.

How Was Homoranthus elusus Named?

The plant Homoranthus elusus was officially described in 2011. Three scientists, Lachlan Copeland, Lyndley Craven, and Jeremy Bruhl, studied a plant sample. This sample was found near Bluff Rock, close to Tenterfield, in 2002. They published their findings in a science journal called Australian Systematic Botany.

The second part of its name, elusus, comes from a Latin word. It means "avoid," "evade," or "baffle." The scientists chose this name because they tried many times to find more of these plants but couldn't! It was like the plant was "avoiding" them.

Where Does Homoranthus elusus Live?

We only know about Homoranthus elusus from one single plant. This plant was found at Bluff Rock, which is south of Tenterfield in New South Wales. It might grow in areas with scrub and heath plants.

Why Is Homoranthus elusus Important?

This plant is extremely rare. Only one plant has ever been found, and that was back in 1992. Because it's so rare, scientists believe it should be considered Critically Endangered. This means it's at a very high risk of disappearing forever. Protecting its habitat is super important to make sure this unique plant doesn't vanish.