Phebalium brachycalyx facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Phebalium brachycalyx |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Phebalium
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| Species: |
brachycalyx
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| Synonyms | |
Phebalium brachycalyx is a special kind of shrub that only grows in the southwest part of Western Australia. This means it is endemic to that area.
The plant is covered in shiny, silvery and rusty-colored scales. It has long, narrow leaves with wavy edges that have tiny bumps called glands. Its flowers are white to light yellow and grow in clusters shaped like umbrellas at the end of its branches.
What it Looks Like
Phebalium brachycalyx is a shrub that usually grows to be about 0.4 m (1 ft 4 in) to 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) tall. It is mostly covered with silvery and rust-colored scales, which give it a unique look.
Its leaves are long and narrow, like a small oval. They are about 10 mm (0.39 in) to 15 mm (0.59 in) long and about 1.5 mm (0.059 in) wide. Each leaf sits on a short stalk called a petiole. The edges of the leaves are wavy and have small glands. The middle vein on the underside of the leaf feels bumpy.
The flowers are white to light yellow. They grow in small groups of three to six flowers, arranged like an umbrella. Each flower hangs on a thin stalk called a pedicel, which is about 4 mm (0.16 in) to 8 mm (0.31 in) long.
The small green leaves that protect the flower bud, called sepals, are about 1 mm (0.039 in) long. They are joined together for about half their length. The outside of the sepals is scaly, but the inside is smooth. The flower petals are wide and oval-shaped, about 4 mm (0.16 in) long and 2 mm (0.079 in) wide. They are covered with silvery to rust-colored scales on the outside.
This plant usually flowers from August to November.
How it Got its Name
The plant Phebalium brachycalyx was officially described in 1998. It was named by a scientist named Paul Wilson. He wrote about it in a science magazine called Nuytsia. The first samples of this plant were found by Alex George at the south end of the Wongan Hills.
Where it Grows
Phebalium brachycalyx likes to grow on a type of soil called laterite. You can find it on hills between the towns of Dalwallinu and Kondinin in Western Australia.
Is it Protected?
The Government of Western Australia's Department of Parks and Wildlife has given Phebalium brachycalyx a special status: "Priority Three".
This means that scientists don't know a lot about this plant yet. It has only been found in a few places. However, it is not currently in immediate danger of disappearing. It is still important to keep an eye on it and protect its habitats.
