Phebalium clavatum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Phebalium clavatum |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Phebalium
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| Species: |
clavatum
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Phebalium clavatum is a special type of shrub found only in Western Australia. This plant is known for being covered in shiny, silvery scales. It has bumpy branches and round leaves with a large, round gland (a tiny part that can make or store substances). Its pretty white flowers grow one by one at the ends of its branches.
What it Looks Like
This Phebalium plant is a shrub that usually grows to be about 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) to 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) tall. Its small branches have light red glands and silvery, scale-like hairs.
The leaves are mostly round, about 1.5 mm (0.059 in) across. They sit on a thin stem called a petiole, which is about 1.5 mm (0.059 in) to 2 mm (0.079 in) long. Both the leaves and their stems are covered in silvery scales. Each leaf also has a large, round gland.
The flowers are white and grow directly on the ends of the branches. At the base of each flower, there are two small, scaly leaf-like parts called bracteoles, about 1 mm (0.039 in) long.
The flowers have five sepals (small leaf-like parts that protect the flower bud). These sepals are about 2.5 mm (0.098 in) to 3 mm (0.12 in) long and are joined together for half their length. They are also covered in silvery scales.
The petals (the colorful parts of the flower) are shaped like an egg or oval. They are about 4 mm (0.16 in) to 5 mm (0.20 in) long and 2.5 mm (0.098 in) to 3.5 mm (0.14 in) wide. The back of the petals also has silvery scales. The stamens (the parts that make pollen) are a little longer than the petals. This shrub usually blooms from August to September.
How it Got its Name
Phebalium clavatum was officially described in 1943 by a botanist named Charles Gardner. He wrote about it in a science magazine called Journal of the Royal Society of Western Australia. He found the first samples of this plant near a place called Widgiemooltha.
Where it Lives
This type of Phebalium plant grows in sandy, flat areas called sandplains. You can find it in the Coolgardie area of Western Australia.
Protecting the Plant
The Western Australian Government's Department of Parks and Wildlife has given this plant a special status called "Priority Two". This means we don't know much about it, and it's only found in one or a few places. Because of this, it's important to keep an eye on it and protect its habitat.
