Eastern feather-flower facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eastern feather-flower |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Homoranthus
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| Species: |
wilhelmii
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| Occurrence data from AVH | |
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The Homoranthus wilhelmii, often called the eastern feather-flower, is a special flowering plant. It is found only in South Australia and belongs to the Myrtaceae family, which includes plants like eucalyptus. This plant is a small, spreading shrub with unique leaves. It produces beautiful white or pink flowers that grow in clusters at the ends of its branches. You can mostly find this plant on the southern Eyre Peninsula, but it also grows on the Yorke Peninsula.
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What Does the Eastern Feather-Flower Look Like?
The eastern feather-flower is a shrub that spreads out. It usually grows to be about 0.3 to 1.5 meters (1 to 5 feet) tall. It can also spread out to be 0.3 to 0.9 meters (1 to 3 feet) wide.
Leaves of the Plant
The leaves of this plant are grey-green and have a pleasant smell. They are shaped like thin cylinders or triangles. Each leaf is about 4 to 7 millimeters long and about 1 millimeter wide. They end in a short, sharp point.
Flowers of the Plant
The flowers are either pink or white and have a light scent. They grow in dense clusters called corymbs at the tips of the branches.
- The base of the flower, called the floral cup, is shaped like a cylinder. It is about 3 millimeters long and has five small ridges on its sides.
- Each of the five sepal lobes (leaf-like parts that protect the bud) has between three and six tiny hairs.
- The petals (the colorful parts of the flower) are about 2 millimeters long.
- The five stamens (the parts that produce pollen) are very short.
- The style (the part that receives pollen) is about 7 millimeters long and has a "beard" near its tip.
This plant mainly flowers from September to March. However, it can sometimes flower and produce fruit throughout the year.
How the Eastern Feather-Flower Got Its Name
The eastern feather-flower was first officially described by a scientist named Ferdinand von Mueller. He named it Verticordia wilhelmii. He thought it was a "very pretty little bush." This description was published in his book in 1855. Later, in 1922, another scientist named Edwin Cheel changed its name to Homoranthus wilhelmii.
Who Is "Wilhelmii"?
The second part of the name, wilhelmii, honors Johann Freiderich Carl Wilhelmi. He was a person who collected seeds and plant samples from the region. Carl Wilhelmi found the first sample of this plant near Port Lincoln in November 1854.
Where Does the Eastern Feather-Flower Grow?
The Homoranthus wilhelmii grows in areas with mallee shrubland. You can find it between Minlaton on the Yorke Peninsula and Streaky Bay, which is west of the Eyre Peninsula. It prefers to grow in sandy soils in areas with heath (low-growing shrubs) and woodland communities.
Growing the Eastern Feather-Flower
This plant is not very well known in horticulture (the art of growing plants). However, some people have successfully grown it in different parts of Australia. People who love native plants have grown H. wilhelmii from seeds and cuttings for their own gardens.
Tips for Growing This Plant
The eastern feather-flower grows well in places that are partly shady or sunny. It needs sandy soil or soil that drains water well. One great thing about this plant is that it flowers for a long time. Its freshly cut flowering stems could also be used in floristry (making flower arrangements).
Conservation Status
The eastern feather-flower is quite widespread and often found in many places. It is also well protected in nature reserves.
