Mount Liebig goodenia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount Liebig goodenia |
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|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Goodenia
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| Species: |
faucium
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Goodenia faucium, also known as the Mount Liebig goodenia, is a special kind of flowering plant. It belongs to the Goodeniaceae family. This plant is found only in the Northern Territory of Australia, which means it is endemic there. It grows as a small, bushy plant that lives for many years.
Contents
What Does Mount Liebig Goodenia Look Like?
The Mount Liebig goodenia is a small, bushy plant. It often grows in clumps. It usually reaches a height of about 30 to 40 centimeters (about 12 to 16 inches). Its stems and leaves can feel sticky, almost like they have a coat of varnish.
Leaves and Flowers
The leaves of this plant are narrow and shaped like an oval or an egg. They are about 1.5 to 3.5 centimeters (0.6 to 1.4 inches) long. They are also about 0.6 to 1 centimeter (0.2 to 0.4 inches) wide. The edges of the leaves have small teeth.
The flowers grow in long clusters called racemes. These clusters can be up to 20 centimeters (about 8 inches) long. Each flower has small, leaf-like parts called bracts at its base. Each flower also sits on a short stalk called a pedicel, which is about 0.8 to 1.5 centimeters (0.3 to 0.6 inches) long.
Flower Parts
The green parts that protect the flower bud are called sepals. They are narrow and about 4 millimeters (0.16 inches) long. The main part of the flower, called the corolla, is bright yellow. It measures about 1.4 to 1.5 centimeters (0.55 to 0.6 inches) long. The lower parts of the corolla have small "wings" that are about 2 millimeters (0.08 inches) wide.
When It Blooms
This plant has been seen flowering in July. After the flowers, it produces a round fruit. This fruit is a type of capsule and is about 4.5 millimeters (0.18 inches) across.
How Mount Liebig Goodenia Got Its Name
The Mount Liebig goodenia was first officially described in 1980. A scientist named Roger Charles Carolin wrote about it in a science journal called Telopea. He used plant samples collected by George Chippendale in 1957. These samples were found in a narrow valley near Mount Liebig.
The second part of the plant's scientific name, faucium, means "of the jaws" or "of the narrow valleys." This name refers to the narrow valleys near Mount Liebig where this plant is mostly found.
Where Mount Liebig Goodenia Lives
This special goodenia plant grows in the MacDonnell Ranges in the Northern Territory. It often grows in cracks found on the faces of cliffs. It likes these rocky places.
Protecting Mount Liebig Goodenia
The Mount Liebig goodenia is considered "near threatened." This means it is not in immediate danger of disappearing, but its numbers are low. It is protected under the Northern Territory Government Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1976. This law helps protect plants and animals in the region.
