Phebalium bifidum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Phebalium bifidum |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Phebalium
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| Species: |
bifidum
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Phebalium bifidum is a special kind of small, upright bush. It only grows naturally in the Capertee Valley in New South Wales, Australia. This bush has shiny scales on its branches and leaves. Its leaves are Y-shaped, and its flowers are creamy white to bright yellow. These flowers grow in clusters called umbels at the end of its branches.
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What Phebalium bifidum Looks Like
Phebalium bifidum is an upright bush. It usually grows to be about 0.2 to 1.5 meters (that's about 8 inches to 5 feet) tall. The bush is mostly covered with shiny, grey or rust-colored scales.
Its grown-up leaves are shaped like the letter 'Y'. They are usually between 3.5 and 14 millimeters long. Each leaf sits on a tiny stem called a petiole, which is about 0.31 millimeters long.
The flowers of this bush are cream-colored or bright yellow. They grow in tight clusters called umbels right at the end of the branches. Each flower has a very short stalk, about 0.5 millimeters long.
The flowers have small leaf-like parts called sepals. These sepals join together to form a cup shape. This cup is about 0.5 to 1.5 millimeters long and 2.0 to 2.5 millimeters wide. It is covered with scales on the outside.
The flower's petals are somewhat oval-shaped. They are about 3.0 to 3.5 millimeters long and 1.4 to 1.8 millimeters wide. The outside of the petals also has scales. This plant usually blooms from August to October.
How it Got its Name
The plant Phebalium bifidum was officially named in 2004. Two scientists, Peter Weston and Margaret Turton, described it for the first time. They wrote about it in a science journal called Telopea. They studied samples of the plant that were collected in the Capertee Valley in 2003.
Where it Lives
This type of phebalium plant grows in woodlands and open heath areas. It is only found in one place in the world: the Capertee Valley in New South Wales, Australia.
Why it Needs Protection
Phebalium bifidum is considered an "endangered" species. This means there are very few of these plants left in the wild. The government of New South Wales protects it under a law called the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016. This law helps protect plants and animals that are at risk of disappearing forever.
