Viscid daisy bush facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Viscid daisy bush |
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| Near Wollomombi Falls | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Olearia
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| Species: |
viscidula
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The Viscid daisy bush, also called wallaby weed, is a type of flowering plant. Its scientific name is Olearia viscidula. This plant belongs to the daisy family, Asteraceae. It grows only in eastern New South Wales, Australia. This means it is endemic to that area. It is a shrub with narrow, oval-shaped leaves. These leaves are lighter in color on their underside. The plant produces white flowers that grow in clusters.
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What Does the Viscid Daisy Bush Look Like?
The Viscid daisy bush is a woody shrub. It can grow to be about 1.5 to 3.5 meters (5 to 11.5 feet) tall. It can also spread out 1 to 2 meters (3 to 6.5 feet) wide.
Leaves and Stems
Its oval-shaped leaves grow one after another along the stems. They are about 1.5 to 8.8 centimeters (0.6 to 3.5 inches) long. The leaves are also about 0.2 to 1.1 centimeters (0.08 to 0.4 inches) wide. The edges of the leaves are smooth. The top of the leaves is shiny green. The underside of the leaves has soft, pale grey fur. The stems and new parts of the plant can sometimes feel sticky. This is where the name "viscid" comes from.
Flowers
The Viscid daisy bush flowers from July to November. It can have many flowers during this time. The center of the flowers is cream or yellow. The petals are white, making them look like small daisies. Each flower head is about 0.8 to 1.7 centimeters (0.3 to 0.7 inches) across.
How the Viscid Daisy Bush Got Its Name
The Viscid daisy bush was first officially described in 1858. A scientist named Ferdinand von Mueller gave it the name Eurybia viscidula. He wrote about it in his book Fragmenta Phytographiae Australiae. He studied plants collected by Charles Moore near Goulburn.
Later, in 1867, another scientist, George Bentham, changed its name. He renamed it Olearia viscidula in his book Flora Australiensis. The word "viscidula" comes from Latin. It means "slightly sticky," which describes the plant's stems and new growth.
Where the Viscid Daisy Bush Grows
The Viscid daisy bush grows in eastern New South Wales, Australia. You can find it south of the Nandewar Ranges. It grows in different types of forests. These include tall eucalyptus forests and rainforests. It also grows in drier forests called dry sclerophyll forests and woodlands. It prefers soils that have a medium or high amount of nutrients.
Life Cycle and Survival
This daisy bush has a special way to survive bushfires. It can regrow from a part of its stem called a lignotuber. This is a woody swelling at or below the ground. It stores energy and buds, allowing the plant to sprout again after a fire.
Growing Viscid Daisy Bush in Gardens
The Viscid daisy bush is not often grown in gardens. But it can be a nice plant for your yard. It needs soil that drains water well. It also likes a spot that gets some shade. If you prune it regularly, it will stay bushy and not get too leggy. This plant can handle frost. You can grow new plants from seeds or by taking cuttings from an existing plant.
