Isopogon villosus facts for kids

Isopogon villosus is a type of flowering plant. It belongs to the Proteaceae family, which includes many unique Australian plants. This plant is found only in the southwestern part of Western Australia, meaning it is endemic to that area. It grows as a bushy shrub with interesting cylindrical leaves. Its flowers are cream-coloured to yellow and grow in oval-shaped clusters.

What it Looks Like

Isopogon villosus is a shrub that grows in dense clumps, often reaching a height of about 0.5 to 1 meter (about 1.5 to 3 feet). Its branches are reddish to dark brown and covered in thick hairs.

The leaves of this plant are quite long, usually between 90 and 180 millimeters (about 3.5 to 7 inches). They have many wide, spreading lobes, which are like small divisions or fingers. There are usually 25 to 32 of these lobes on each leaf.

The flowers of Isopogon villosus grow in oval-shaped clusters, or "heads," that are about 30 millimeters (just over an inch) across. These flower heads often grow close to the base of the plant. At the bottom of each flower head are special leaf-like parts called bracts, which are hairy and pointed.

The individual flowers are about 15 to 20 millimeters (about 0.6 to 0.8 inches) long. They are cream-coloured to yellow and also covered in dense hairs. This plant usually flowers from September to November. After flowering, it produces hairy, nut-like fruits. These fruits are joined together in an oval head, about 20 to 25 millimeters (about 0.8 to 1 inch) wide.

How it Got its Name

The plant Isopogon villosus was officially named in 1856 by a scientist named Carl Meissner. He published its description in a well-known book about plants called Prodromus Systematis Naturalis Regni Vegetabilis. Meissner had actually used the name Isopogon villosus before, in 1852, but he didn't provide a full description at that time.

Where it Grows

This type of isopogon plant grows in areas with heath and shrubland. You can find it in different scattered groups between Pingelly and Lake King in Western Australia. These areas are part of specific natural regions known as the Avon Wheatbelt, Esperance Plains, and Mallee.

Is it Safe?

The Western Australian Government's Department of Parks and Wildlife has looked at Isopogon villosus. They have classified it as "not threatened." This means that, for now, there are enough of these plants in the wild, and they are not considered to be in danger of disappearing.