Melaleuca leiopyxis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Melaleuca leiopyxis |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Melaleuca
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| Species: |
leiopyxis
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Melaleuca leiopyxis is a type of shrub that belongs to the myrtle family, called Myrtaceae. This plant is special because it is only found in a small area near the west coast of Western Australia. It's known for its pretty bright yellow flowers. This shrub looks a lot like another plant called Melaleuca depressa, and sometimes it can be tricky to tell them apart because they grow in the same places.
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What Does Melaleuca leiopyxis Look Like?
Melaleuca leiopyxis is usually a low, bushy shrub that grows close to the ground. It can be about 50 centimetres (20 inches) tall. Sometimes, it can grow taller, up to 3 metres (10 feet) high.
Its leaves are arranged one after another along the stem. They have a few soft hairs and are shaped like a narrow oval. The tips of the leaves are usually blunt or slightly pointed.
Flowers and Fruit
The flowers of Melaleuca leiopyxis grow in round clusters, like small balls. These clusters can be up to 25 millimetres (1 inch) wide. Each cluster has 3 to 4 smaller groups of flowers, with 3 flowers in each group.
The flowers are bright yellow and mostly appear in September and October. As they get older, they turn brown. The plant also produces small, woody, cup-shaped fruits. These fruits are about 4 to 7 millimetres (0.16 to 0.28 inches) long.
Where Does Melaleuca leiopyxis Grow?
This shrub grows in the Kalbarri and Shark Bay areas of Western Australia. You can find it growing in red sand on sand dunes and on limestone hills.
Is Melaleuca leiopyxis in Danger?
The government of Western Australia says that Melaleuca leiopyxis is "not threatened." This means there are enough of these plants in the wild, and they are not currently at risk of disappearing.
Growing Melaleuca leiopyxis in Gardens
This type of melaleuca is not often grown in gardens. However, it has been grown successfully in Adelaide, a city in Australia. It might be a good plant to try growing in gardens near the coast, especially where it's windy.
Images for kids
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A Melaleuca leiopyxis shrub with yellow flowers.
