Mount Ragged beaufortia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount Ragged beaufortia |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Beaufortia (plant)
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| Species: |
raggedensis
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The Beaufortia raggedensis, also known as the Mount Ragged beaufortia, is a special plant. It belongs to the myrtle family, called Myrtaceae. This plant is only found in one specific area: the south-west part of Western Australia. It's a small, bushy plant with leaves that grow close together. In spring, it shows off beautiful deep red flowers. You can only find this plant near Mount Arid, inside the Cape Arid National Park.
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What the Mount Ragged Beaufortia Looks Like
The Mount Ragged beaufortia is usually a compact, bushy plant. Sometimes, its branches spread out more. It can grow up to about 1.5 metres (5 ft) tall.
Leaves and Their Appearance
The leaves of this plant grow in pairs, one across from the other. They are long and thin, about 5–10 millimetres (0.2–0.4 in) long. They are very narrow, less than 1 millimetre (0.04 in) wide. Often, the leaves grow in thick bunches. They might also have tiny hairs on them, which makes them look a bit grey.
Flowers and Fruit
The flowers of the Mount Ragged beaufortia are a deep red color. They grow in round clusters at the ends of the branches. Each flower has 5 sepals (small leaf-like parts), 5 petals, and 5 groups of stamens. Stamens are the parts that make pollen. Each group has between 5 and 7 stamens. These groups are joined together for about 5–10 millimetres (0.2–0.4 in). The individual stamens then branch out at different points.
The plant flowers from September to December. After the flowers, it grows woody capsules, which are like seed pods. These capsules are about 15–20 millimetres (0.6–0.8 in) long and 10 millimetres (0.4 in) wide. They often grow joined together.
How the Mount Ragged Beaufortia Got Its Name
The plant was first officially described in 2016. This was done by a scientist named Andrew A. Burbidge. The description was published in a science journal called Nuytsia.
Meaning of the Name
The second part of its scientific name, "raggedensis," tells us something important. It refers to Mount Ragged. This is a mountain near where this special plant is found.
Where the Mount Ragged Beaufortia Lives
The Mount Ragged beaufortia grows in rocky areas made of quartzite. You can only find it on the slopes and at the bottom of mountains in the Russell Range. This area is part of the Cape Arid National Park. It's located in a natural region known as the Mallee biogeographic region.
Protecting the Mount Ragged Beaufortia
The Western Australian Government's Department of Parks and Wildlife keeps track of rare plants. They have classified the Mount Ragged beaufortia as "Priority Two."
What "Priority Two" Means
"Priority Two" means that this plant is not very well known. It has only been found in one or a few places. This classification helps make sure that efforts are made to learn more about it and protect its small habitat.
