Melaleuca seriata facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Melaleuca seriata |
|
|---|---|
.JPG) |
|
| M. seriata leaves and flowers | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Melaleuca
|
| Species: |
seriata
|
Melaleuca seriata is a type of shrub, a small bushy plant, that belongs to the myrtle family. It grows only in the southwestern part of Western Australia. When John Lindley first described it, he said its branches end in bright pink, round flower heads. This plant looks a lot like another shrub called Melaleuca parviceps.
Contents
About the Melaleuca Seriata Plant
This plant usually grows to be about 1 meter (3 feet) tall. Its small branches are covered with soft, silky hairs. The leaves grow one after another along the stem. They are usually narrow and oval-shaped. The leaves are about 5.5 to 11 millimeters (0.2 to 0.4 inches) long and 1 to 2 millimeters (0.04 to 0.08 inches) wide. But their exact size and shape can change.
Flowers and Fruit
The flowers of Melaleuca seriata grow in round clusters at the ends of the branches. These branches keep growing even after the flowers bloom. Sometimes, flowers also appear where the leaves meet the stem. Each flower cluster can be up to 20 millimeters (0.8 inches) wide. They contain 3 to 7 groups of flowers, with three flowers in each group.
The petals of the flowers are small, about 1.5 to 3 millimeters (0.06 to 0.1 inches) long. They fall off soon after the flower opens. The colorful parts of the flower are called stamens. These are usually pink, purple, or a light purple color, with yellow tips. They are arranged in five groups around the flower. Each group has 5 to 9 stamens. This plant mostly flowers in spring, but you might see blooms at other times too. After flowering, the plant produces small, woody fruits. These fruits are like little capsules, about 2.5 to 4 millimeters (0.1 to 0.2 inches) long.
Plant Name and History
The plant Melaleuca seriata was first officially described in 1839. This was done by a scientist named John Lindley. He wrote about it in a book called A Sketch of the Vegetation of the Swan River Colony.
The name seriata comes from a Latin word meaning "row" or "succession." This name was chosen because the oil glands in the plant's leaves often appear in two neat rows.
Where Melaleuca Seriata Grows
This type of melaleuca plant is found in several areas of Western Australia. You can see it in places like Coorow, Green Head, Perth, Bunbury, Wyalkatchem, and Lake King.
It usually grows in sandy soil that is over a type of rock called laterite or clay. It likes to grow on flat sandy areas and in low spots that fill with water in winter.
Looking After the Plant
The government of Western Australia says that Melaleuca seriata is "not threatened." This means there are enough of these plants, and they are not in danger of disappearing.
Growing Melaleuca Seriata
People have successfully grown Melaleuca seriata in gardens. It grows best in areas with a mild climate and not too much humidity. The soil needs to drain water well so the plant doesn't get too wet.
Images for kids
-
M. seriata growing near Badgingarra
-
M. seriata fruit
.JPG)
.JPG)
