Melaleuca pungens facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Melaleuca pungens |
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| M. pungens near Wongan Hills | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Melaleuca
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| Species: |
pungens
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The Melaleuca pungens is a prickly shrub that belongs to the myrtle family, called Myrtaceae. You can only find this plant growing naturally in the south-west part of Western Australia. It has many round, yellow flowers that look like little balls.
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What Does it Look Like?
Melaleuca pungens grows to be about 0.5–1.0 m (2–3 ft) tall and wide. Its leaves are thin and straight, about 10–35 mm (0.4–1 in) long. They are also about 1 mm (0.04 in) wide.
The leaves don't have a stalk and stick out in every direction. Each leaf has a small, sharp point, which makes the plant very prickly. When new parts of the plant grow, they feel soft and silky.
This plant has bright yellow flowers that bloom in September and October. There are many flowers, and they grow in round or long clusters. These flower clusters are about 15 millimetres (0.6 in) wide. Both the leaves and the flower stalks are covered with fine, soft hairs. After the flowers, the plant produces fruits that grow in joined-up clusters. These fruit clusters are about 3–4 mm (0.1–0.2 in) wide.
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Naming the Plant
The scientific name Melaleuca pungens was first officially described in 1844. This was done by a person named Johannes Conrad Schauer. He wrote about it in a book called Plantae Preissianae.
The second part of its name, pungens, comes from a Latin word. It means "sharp," "piercing," or "biting." This name fits well because the plant is very prickly!
Where it Grows
You can find Melaleuca pungens in the south-western part of Western Australia. It grows in several different natural areas. These areas include the Avon Wheatbelt, Esperance Plains, Geraldton Sandplains, Jarrah Forest, and Mallee regions.
This plant likes to grow in sandy soils, gravel, and rocky areas. You can often find it on hillsides and flat ground.
Growing Melaleuca pungens
Melaleuca pungens can grow well in places with a mild climate. It prefers soils that drain water easily and are slightly acidic to neutral. This plant can also handle frost, which means it can survive cold temperatures. It is quite easy to grow new plants from cuttings.
Is it Endangered?
The good news is that Melaleuca pungens is very common where it grows. The Government of Western Australia's Department of Parks and Wildlife has looked into it. They have officially said that this plant is "not threatened." This means it is not in danger of disappearing.
