Melaleuca subfalcata facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Melaleuca subfalcata |
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Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Myrtales |
| Family: | Myrtaceae |
| Genus: | Melaleuca |
| Species: |
M. subfalcata
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| Melaleuca subfalcata |
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Melaleuca subfalcata is a special kind of shrub. It belongs to the myrtle family, which includes many plants with fragrant leaves. This plant grows only in the southern part of Western Australia. It has bark that feels like fiber. Its flowers are a lovely pink to purple color. They usually grow in spikes along the side branches of the plant.
Contents
About This Plant
Melaleuca subfalcata is a shrub that can grow quite tall. It reaches a height of about 3 to 4 meters (10 to 13 feet). Its bark is rough and feels like fiber. The leaves of this plant grow one after another along the stem. They are about 8 to 23 millimeters (0.3 to 0.9 inches) long. They are also narrow, about 0.9 to 2 millimeters (0.04 to 0.08 inches) wide. The leaves are curved, almost like a sickle, which is a tool with a curved blade.
Flowers and Fruit
The flowers of Melaleuca subfalcata are pink to purple. They grow in spikes on the sides of the branches. Sometimes, they also appear at the ends of branches that keep growing after the flowers bloom. These flower spikes can be up to 27 millimeters (1.1 inches) across. Each spike holds 5 to 30 individual flowers.
The petals of the flowers are about 2.5 to 4.5 millimeters (0.1 to 0.2 inches) long. They fall off as the flowers get older. Inside each flower, there are five groups of stamens. Stamens are the parts of a flower that make pollen. Each group has 11 to 22 stamens.
The flowers usually appear from November to March. After the flowers, the plant produces woody fruits. These fruits are called capsules. They are about 2.5 to 3.5 millimeters (0.10 to 0.14 inches) long. Sometimes, these capsules grow in clusters.
Plant Name and History
The plant Melaleuca subfalcata was first officially described in 1847. A scientist named Nikolai Turczaninow gave it its name. He wrote about it in a science publication.
What the Name Means
The second part of its name, subfalcata, comes from Latin words. The word falcatus means "curved" or "sickle-shaped." The part -sub means "under" or "almost." So, subfalcata means "almost sickle-shaped." This name describes the plant's leaves, which are curved like a sickle.
Where It Grows
This melaleuca plant is found in specific areas of Western Australia. It grows in districts like Ongerup, Lake King, and Israelite Bay. These areas are part of different natural regions.
It likes to grow in sand or clay soil. This soil is often found over a type of rock called laterite. You can find these plants on rolling plains and rocky hillsides.
How It Is Protected
The government of Western Australia keeps track of plants like Melaleuca subfalcata. The Department of Parks and Wildlife lists this plant as "not threatened." This means it is not currently in danger of disappearing.
Images for kids
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Melaleuca subfalcata leaves and fruit at the ANBG
