Northern cauliflower facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Northern cauliflower |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Verticordia
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| Species: |
polytricha
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The Verticordia polytricha, also known as northern cauliflower, is a beautiful flowering plant. It belongs to the myrtle family, called Myrtaceae. This plant grows naturally only in the south-west part of Western Australia. It's a bushy shrub that stands upright, with long, thin leaves and clusters of white flowers that bloom in late spring and summer.
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What Does Northern Cauliflower Look Like?
Verticordia polytricha is a shrub that grows from a single stem at its base. However, it has many branches, making it look very bushy. It can grow to be about 0.7–1.8 m (2–6 ft) tall and 0.6–1.0 cm (0.2–0.4 in) wide. Its leaves are long and thin, shaped like a half-circle or triangle when you look at them closely. They are 3–10 mm (0.1–0.4 in) long. The leaves near the ends of the branches grow very close together.
Flowers and Their Features
The flowers of the northern cauliflower have a nice smell. They grow in thick, rounded groups at the ends of the branches. Each flower sits on a small stalk, about 2–5 mm (0.08–0.2 in) long. The part of the flower that holds the petals, called the floral cup, is shaped like half a ball. It is 1.0–1.5 mm (0.04–0.06 in) long and has tiny hairs on its top half.
The sepals, which are like small leaves protecting the flower bud, are a creamy-white color. They are about 3 mm (0.1 in) long and have a fringe of long hairs. The petals are the same creamy-white color. They spread out at first, then stand upright. They are 1.0–1.5 mm (0.04–0.06 in) long and have hairs on the outside. The style, which is part of the flower's reproductive system, is 4.5 mm (0.2 in) long. It curves gently and has hairs near its purple tip. These flowers bloom from late September to February.
How Was Northern Cauliflower Named?
The plant Verticordia polytricha was first officially described in 1859 by a scientist named George Bentham. He wrote about it in a book called Flora Australiensis. The plant specimen he used was collected by Augustus Oldfield.
Meaning of the Name
The second part of its scientific name, polytricha, comes from two Ancient Greek words. "Poly" means "many," and "thrix" means "hair." This name refers to the many hairs found on the sepals of the flower.
In 1991, another scientist named Alex George studied the Verticordia group of plants. He placed this species into a specific group called Corymbiformis.
Where Does Northern Cauliflower Grow?
This type of verticordia plant is found in Western Australia. It grows between the towns of Binnu and Kalbarri, and in nearby areas. You can find it in regions like the Geraldton Sandplains, Jarrah Forest, and Yalgoo. It usually grows in sandy soil, often over sandstone, in areas with heath and shrubland plants.
Northern Cauliflower and Its Visitors
A type of native bee, called Euryglossa evansi, has been seen visiting the flowers of the northern cauliflower. These bees help the plant by carrying pollen from one flower to another.
Is Northern Cauliflower Protected?
The Western Australian Government's Department of Parks and Wildlife has classified Verticordia polytricha as "Priority Four". This means the plant is rare or close to being threatened. It needs special attention to make sure its numbers stay healthy in the wild.
Growing Northern Cauliflower in Gardens
The northern cauliflower is a strong and dependable shrub for gardens. It is quite easy to grow new plants from cuttings. You can also grow it from seeds. This plant grows well in full sun and can adapt to different types of soil. It has been known to flower within 18 months after its seeds sprout.
