Metallic-flowered eremophila facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Metallic-flowered eremophila |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Eremophila (plant)
|
| Species: |
veneta
|
Eremophila veneta, often called metallic-flowered eremophila, is a special flowering plant. It is found only in Western Australia. This plant belongs to the figwort family. It is a low, spreading, and sticky shrub. It has dark green leaves and pretty bluish-green flowers.
Contents
What the Metallic-Flowered Eremophila Looks Like
The metallic-flowered eremophila is a spreading, sticky shrub. It usually grows between 0.3 and 1.2 meters (about 1 to 4 feet) tall. Its branches, leaves, and flower parts are covered in a sticky substance called resin. This resin dries yellow and can become flaky.
Its leaves grow one after another along the branches. They are thick and shaped like a spear. They are about 12 to 19 mm long and 2 to 7 mm wide. Some leaves might have small teeth near their ends.
Its Flowers and Fruit
The flowers grow one by one where the leaves meet the stem. They are on sticky stalks about 3 to 7 mm long. Each flower has 5 sticky, pointed parts called sepals. These sepals are 4 to 5.5 mm long.
The flower's petals are 15 to 20 mm long. They join together at the bottom to form a tube. This tube is a beautiful metallic bluish-green or bluish-purple on top. It is pale yellow underneath. Both the inside and outside of the petal tube are covered with tiny glandular hairs. The 4 stamens (the parts that hold pollen) stick out beyond the end of the petal tube.
This plant mainly flowers in October and November. After flowering, it produces dry, oblong-shaped fruits. These fruits are about 5.5 to 7 mm long and have a smooth covering.
How It Was Named
This plant was first officially described by a scientist named Robert Chinnock in 2007. He published his description in a book about Eremophila plants.
Where It Grows
This eremophila plant is only found in a few places in Western Australia. You can find it between Gnowangerup and Hyden. It grows in clay or sandy soils on flat areas.
Protecting This Plant
The metallic-flowered eremophila is classified as "Priority Four" by the Western Australian Government. This means it is rare or almost threatened. It needs special care to protect it.
Growing This Plant in Gardens
This low, spreading eremophila is a tough shrub. It has unusual bluish-green flowers that attract birds. You can grow it from cuttings. It grows well in alkaline or clay-based soil. It needs full sun or partial shade. This plant can handle dry weather and frost. It only needs water sometimes during long dry periods.
