Myoporum bateae facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Myoporum bateae |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Myoporum
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| Species: |
bateae
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Myoporum bateae is a special flowering plant. It belongs to the figwort family. This plant is found only in the southern coastal areas of New South Wales, Australia. It's a sweet-smelling shrub. Even though it's sometimes grown in gardens, it's quite rare in the wild. Luckily, it's not currently in danger of disappearing.
About Myoporum bateae
Myoporum bateae is a shrub that smells sweet. It can grow up to 5 metres (20 ft) tall. It often has a pyramid shape. This plant has one or a few main stems. Its branches spread out sideways. You might see small, wart-like bumps on the branches.
The leaves are long and narrow. They are about 45–150 millimetres (2–6 in) in length. The leaves are thin and soft. Their edges have small teeth. You can also see many tiny oil glands on them. The plant's leaves are not very dense. They curve downwards from the branches in a graceful way.
Flowers appear from September to November. They grow in groups of 3 to 10 along the branches. The petals are a light purple color. Each flower is small, only about 5.6–6 millimetres (0.2–0.2 in) across. But there can be so many flowers that the plant looks like it's covered in snow! The fruits are hard and dry. They are about 2 millimetres (0.08 in) long.
How Did It Get Its Name?
The plant Myoporum bateae was first officially described in 1881. This was done by a scientist named Ferdinand von Mueller. He wrote about it in a science paper. The plant specimens he studied were found near Mount Gulaga. They were collected by Miss Mary Bate. This is why the plant was named bateae after her.
Later, some thought M. bateae was the same as another plant, M. floribundum. But recently, scientists realized they are different species. They are closely related, but you can tell them apart. M. bateae has teeth on its leaf edges. M. floribundum does not. Also, M. bateae flowers are slightly pink-purple. M. floribundum flowers are pure white. The leaves of M. floribundum are also very thin and hang straight down.
Where Does It Grow?
This plant grows in different spots along the south coast of New South Wales. You can find it from the Nepean River down to Mount Gulaga. It usually grows in tall Eucalyptus forests. It likes steep mountain valleys where the soil is clay.
Growing Myoporum bateae
You can grow Myoporum bateae from cuttings. Cuttings are small pieces of the plant that can grow roots. These cuttings usually start to grow within two months.
This plant grows best in a cool, damp spot. It likes some shade, not full sun. The soil should be rich loam or clay. It can handle a little bit of frost. You can also trim it to give it a nice shape.
