Phebalium laevigatum facts for kids

Phebalium laevigatum is a type of tall, thin shrub. It is special because it grows only in Western Australia. This plant has branches with small bumps on them. Its leaves are long and narrow, and its flowers are either white or yellow. These flowers grow in small groups at the ends of the branches.

About This Plant

Phebalium laevigatum is an upright, slender bush. It usually grows to be between 0.35 and 1.2 meters (about 1 to 4 feet) tall. Its branches have small, gland-like bumps on them.

Leaves and Flowers

The leaves of this plant are long and thin, or slightly wider in the middle. They are typically 12 to 15 millimeters (about half an inch) long and 1.5 to 2 millimeters wide. Each leaf sits on a small stalk called a petiole, which is about 2 millimeters long. The top side of the leaves is mostly smooth. The bottom side is covered with shiny, silver scales.

The flowers can be white or yellow. They grow in clusters called umbels, with about seven flowers in each group. Each flower has a tiny stem, called a pedicel, which is about 4 millimeters long. The plant has five sepals, which are like small leaves that protect the flower bud. These sepals are about 1.5 millimeters long and are joined together for half their length. They have rust-colored scales on the outside. The petals, which are the colorful parts of the flower, are broadly oval-shaped. They are 4 to 5 millimeters long and 2.5 to 3.5 millimeters wide. The outside of the petals also has rust-colored scales. This plant usually blooms from June to October.

Plant Names and History

Phebalium laevigatum was officially named in 1998. It was named by a botanist named Paul G. Wilson. He described the plant in a science journal called Nuytsia. The first samples of this plant were collected by Nik Donner, east of a town called Merredin.

Where It Grows

This type of phebalium plant likes to grow in areas with eucalypt trees and other shrubs. You can find it in the region between Merredin and the western edge of the Great Victoria Desert in Western Australia.

Conservation Status

The Government of Western Australia's Department of Parks and Wildlife has looked at this plant. They have classified Phebalium laevigatum as "not threatened." This means it is not currently in danger of disappearing.