Melaleuca strobophylla facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Melaleuca strobophylla |
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| Twisted leaves | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Melaleuca
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| Species: |
strobophylla
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Meet the Melaleuca strobophylla, a cool shrub or small tree from the myrtle family, Myrtaceae. It only grows in the south-west part of Western Australia, making it super special! This plant has interesting papery bark and leaves that are twisted and pointy. In summer, it shows off long spikes of creamy white flowers.
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What Does Melaleuca Strobophylla Look Like?
The Melaleuca strobophylla is a large shrub or a small tree that can grow up to 4 to 12 meters (about 13 to 39 feet) tall. It has a bushy top and white, papery bark that peels off.
Its leaves are arranged one after another along the stem. They are about 4.5 to 12.5 millimeters long. The leaves are flat but have a cool twist to them. They are shaped like a narrow oval and end in a sharp point.
Flowers and Fruit of the Melaleuca
The creamy-white flowers grow in long spikes at the ends of the branches. Sometimes, they also appear where the upper leaves meet the stem. The branches keep growing even after the flowers have bloomed!
These flower spikes are about 20 millimeters (less than an inch) wide. Each spike has between 8 and 23 pairs of flowers. The outside of each flower cup is a bit hairy. The five small petals around the flower are about 2.2 to 3 millimeters long and fall off as the flower gets older.
Inside the flower, there are bundles of stamens, which are the parts that make pollen. Each bundle has 16 to 27 stamens. You can see these flowers from January to April, and also in November.
After the flowers, the plant grows woody fruits called capsules. These capsules are small, about 2 to 4 millimeters long. They are usually scattered along the branches.
Where Does Melaleuca Strobophylla Grow?
This special melaleuca plant is found in a few areas in Western Australia. You can see it in places like Eneabba, Three Springs, and Yalgoo.
It likes to grow in sandy, silty soil. You'll often find it in low areas, along water paths, or near the edges of salt lakes.
How Was Melaleuca Strobophylla Named?
The Melaleuca strobophylla was officially described in 1988 by a scientist named Bryan Barlow. He wrote about it in a science journal called Australian Systematic Botany. He found a sample of the plant near Ravensthorpe.
The second part of its name, strobophylla, comes from two ancient Greek words. Strobos means "twisting" or "turning," and phyllon means "leaf." This name perfectly describes the plant's twisted leaves!
Is Melaleuca Strobophylla Protected?
The Government of Western Australia's Department of Parks and Wildlife says that Melaleuca strobophylla is "not threatened." This means it's doing well and there are enough of them in the wild.
Why Is Melaleuca Strobophylla Useful?
This plant is great for growing in places with heavier, salty soils. It does well in drier areas that get most of their rain in winter.
