Melaleuca dichroma facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Melaleuca dichroma |
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| Melaleuca dichroma in the Gunyidi Nature Reserve | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Melaleuca
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| Species: |
dichroma
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Melaleuca dichroma is a special kind of shrub that belongs to the myrtle family. It grows only in the southwestern part of Western Australia. This plant is quite unique because its flowers start out yellow or creamy-white. But then they change to a pretty pinkish-red color as they get older.
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Description
Melaleuca dichroma is a shrub that can grow up to 1 m (3 ft) tall. Its leaves are arranged one after another along the stem. They are long and thin, or narrow and oval-shaped. The leaves are about 3.7–15.5 mm (0.1–0.6 in) long and 0.5–1.3 mm (0.02–0.05 in) wide. They do not have a stalk.
The flowers grow in clusters near the ends of the branches. These branches keep growing even after the flowers bloom. Sometimes, flowers also appear where the upper leaves meet the stem. Each cluster has one to four groups of three flowers. The flower clusters can be up to 15 mm (0.6 in) across.
The flowers appear in spring, usually from August to November. They are first a pale yellow or creamy-white color. As they get older, they change to a pinkish-red. The petals are small, about 0.8–1.2 mm (0.03–0.05 in) long. They fall off as the flowers age. Inside the flower, there are bundles of five stamens, which are the parts that produce pollen. Each bundle has 6 to 13 stamens.
After flowering, the plant produces woody capsules, which are like small seed pods. These fruits are 3–5 mm (0.1–0.2 in) long and grow in clusters.
Taxonomy and Naming
The scientific name Melaleuca dichroma was given to this plant in 2001. It was named by two scientists, Lyndley Craven and Brendan Lepschi. The word dichroma comes from ancient Greek words. "Di-" means "two" or "double," and "chroma" means "color." This name refers to the two different colors the flowers show as they get older.
This plant is closely related to another species called Melaleuca urceolaris. The main difference between them is how their flowers are arranged.
Distribution and Habitat
Melaleuca dichroma grows in the Arrino, Hill River, and Moora areas. These areas are in the Avon Wheatbelt, Geraldton Sandplains, and Swan Coastal Plain biogeographic regions of Western Australia. It likes to grow in sandy, gravelly, and loamy soils.
Ecology
Another plant, Melaleuca gnidioides, is distantly related to Melaleuca dichroma. Its flowers also change color as they age. Scientists think this color change might be a signal to pollinators. It could tell them that the flower no longer has nectar or pollen available. This way, pollinators can save energy by visiting younger, more rewarding flowers.
Conservation Status
The Government of Western Australia's Department of Parks and Wildlife lists Melaleuca dichroma as "not threatened." This means the plant is not currently in danger of disappearing.
Use in Horticulture
Horticulture is the art of growing plants, often for gardens. Melaleuca dichroma is not very well known in gardens yet. However, its close relative, Melaleuca urceolaris, is grown successfully. It is liked for its pretty flowers and interesting leaves. This suggests that Melaleuca dichroma could also be a good plant for gardens, especially because of its unique two-tone flowers.
