Granite homoranthus facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Granite homoranthus
Homoranthus prolixus in the ANBG
Conservation status
Vulnerable (EPBC Act)
Scientific classification
Genus:	Homoranthus
Species:	prolixus
Occurrence data from AVH
Synonyms
Homoranthus bornhardtiensis J.T.Hunter

The Homoranthus prolixus is a special plant that belongs to the myrtle family. It's a type of plant that grows only in a specific area, which means it is endemic to northern New South Wales in Australia.

This plant is a spreading shrub. It has long, narrow leaves and pretty yellow to red flowers. These flowers grow in small groups of up to six, usually found near where the leaves join the stem.

Habit in the ANBG

What it Looks Like

This plant usually grows upwards. It blooms, meaning its flowers open, from September to December. After the flowers, it produces fruits from September to January.

Its Name and History

The scientific name for this plant, Homoranthus prolixus, was first officially described in 1991. Two scientists, Lyndley Craven and S.R.Jones, gave it this name. They published their description in a science journal called Australian Systematic Botany.

The second part of its name, prolixus, comes from a Latin word. It means "stretched out" or "long," which might describe how the plant grows or its leaves.

Where it Lives

You can find Homoranthus prolixus growing in northern New South Wales. It lives in areas from Inverell all the way to Bendemeer.

It prefers to grow in woodlands and heathlands. These plants like shallow, sandy soils that are found on or near granite or other acidic volcanic rocks.

Looking After This Plant

At one point, this plant was thought to be "vulnerable." This means there were concerns about its numbers in the wild. However, scientists now know that many of these plants are protected in special areas. They are also quite common in some places. So, while it's always important to protect plants, this one is doing better than once thought.

Images for kids

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  Habit in the ANBG