Melaleuca osullivanii facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Melaleuca osullivanii |
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| M. osullivani growing at the type location near Busselton | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Melaleuca
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| Species: |
osullivanii
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Melaleuca osullivanii is a special plant that belongs to the myrtle family, called Myrtaceae. It grows only in the south-west part of Western Australia. This means it is endemic to that area, found nowhere else in the world naturally!
Scientists first officially described this plant in 2004. They did this after studying a group of plants known as "broombush" (Melaleuca uncinata). Melaleuca osullivanii is unique because its leaves are very thin and round, like a tiny tube. Its closest relative, Melaleuca hamata, has slightly thicker leaves.
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What Melaleuca osullivanii Looks Like
Melaleuca osullivanii is a shrub that can grow up to 3 m (10 ft) tall. It has interesting bark that is flaky and papery.
Its leaves are long and thin, usually about 28–73 mm (1–3 in) long. They are very narrow, only about 0.7–0.9 mm (0.03–0.04 in) wide. The leaves are shaped like a line and are round or almost round when you look at them from the end. They often have a pointy tip or a tiny bristle at the end.
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Flowers and Fruits
The flowers of Melaleuca osullivanii are a creamy white color. They grow in small clusters, with 4 to 9 groups of three flowers each. The petals are small and round, about 0.7–1.2 mm (0.03–0.05 in) long. They fall off quickly after the flower opens.
Inside the flower, there are five groups of stamens (the parts that make pollen). Each group has 3 to 5 stamens. This plant usually flowers in November and December. After the flowers, it produces woody fruits called capsules. These capsules are packed tightly together, making them look like one large, oval-shaped fruit about 6.5–8 mm (0.26–0.31 in) across.
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How it Got its Name
The plant was officially named Melaleuca osullivanii in 2004. It was named by two scientists, Lyndley Craven and Brendan Lepschi. The second part of its name, osullivanii, honors Wayne O'Sullivan. He helped study Melaleuca plants in their natural homes.
Where Melaleuca osullivanii Grows
You can find this melaleuca plant in the areas between Perth and Busselton in Western Australia. It grows in sandy soils, often near the coast. It likes places that get wet during winter. You might see it growing alongside other native plants like Melaleuca, Hakea, and Grevillea.
Conservation Status
The good news is that Melaleuca osullivanii is currently listed as "not threatened" by the Government of Western Australia Department of Parks and Wildlife. This means it's not in danger of disappearing right now.
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