Phebalium longifolium facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Phebalium longifolium |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Phebalium
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| Species: |
longifolium
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| Synonyms | |
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Phebalium squamulosum subsp. longifolium (S.T.Blake) Paul G. Wilson |
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Phebalium longifolium is a special kind of shrub. It grows only in far north Queensland, Australia. This plant is often covered with shiny, silvery or rust-colored scales. It has smooth branches and long, narrow leaves. Its cream-colored flowers grow in small bunches called umbels. You can find this shrub growing where forests meet rainforests in tropical areas.
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What Does Phebalium longifolium Look Like?
Phebalium longifolium is a shrub that typically grows up to 3 meters tall. Most of the plant is covered with silvery to rust-colored scales. However, the top of its leaves and the front of its flower petals are smooth.
Leaves and Branches
The leaves are long and narrow, shaped like an ellipse or a spear. They are usually between 15 and 80 millimeters long. They are also about 2.5 to 10 millimeters wide. Each leaf sits on a small stalk called a petiole, which is about 1.7 to 3 millimeters long. The top of the leaves is smooth and shiny green. The underside is covered with rust-colored scales. You can see a clear vein running down the middle of the leaf's underside.
Flowers
The flowers are cream-colored. They grow in small groups called umbels. Each flower has its own small stalk, called a pedicel, which is 5 to 12 millimeters long. The base of the flower, called the calyx, is shaped like a top. It is about 0.7 to 1.4 millimeters long and 2.2 to 3 millimeters wide. The outside of the calyx has small bumps and scales. The flower petals are oval-shaped and about 3 millimeters long. The back of the petals is also covered with scales. This plant usually flowers from June to September.
How Was Phebalium longifolium Named?
The scientific name Phebalium longifolium was first officially given in 1959. A scientist named Stanley Thatcher Blake described it in a science paper. He had collected samples of the plant near Wallaman Falls in 1951.
Later, in 1970, another scientist, Paul G. Wilson, thought it was a subspecies of a similar plant. But in 2003, Paul Irwin Forster confirmed that Phebalium longifolium is its own unique species. This name is now accepted by Australian plant experts.
Where Does Phebalium longifolium Grow?
This shrub grows in tropical north Queensland, Australia. You can find it on the edge of rainforests. Its habitat stretches from the Herberton Range to the Paluma Range.
What is its Conservation Status?
The Australian Government has a list of plants and animals. They classify Phebalium longifolium as "least concern." This means that the plant is not currently in danger of disappearing.
