Phebalium microphyllum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Phebalium microphyllum |
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|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Phebalium
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| Species: |
microphyllum
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| Synonyms | |
The Phebalium microphyllum is a small, rounded shrub that grows only in Western Australia. This means it is endemic to that area. It has unique branches with tiny scales. Its leaves are tough and shaped like an oval. This plant also produces pretty yellow flowers. These flowers grow in small groups at the end of its branches.
What it Looks Like
The Phebalium microphyllum is a rounded shrub. It usually grows to be about 0.3 to 1.5 meters (1 to 5 feet) tall. Its branches are covered in tiny scales. The leaves are strong and leathery. They are about 3 to 4 millimeters long and 1.5 millimeters wide. Each leaf sits on a very short stem called a petiole.
The top side of the leaves is smooth and hairless. The bottom side is covered with shiny, silvery scales. The edges of the leaves are a little bit wavy.
The flowers are bright yellow. They grow in groups of three to six flowers. Each flower has a thin stem called a pedicel, which is about 3 to 6 millimeters long. Each flower has five small green parts called sepals. These sepals are about 1 millimeter long and are joined together for half their length. They have rusty-colored scales on the outside. The yellow petals are shaped like ovals and are about 3.5 millimeters long. They also have rusty scales on their backs. This plant usually blooms from September to December.
Plant Name and History
This plant was first officially described in 1852. A scientist named Nikolai Turczaninow gave it its formal name. He wrote about it in a science journal called Bulletin de la Société Impériale des Naturalistes de Moscou.
Where it Grows
You can find Phebalium microphyllum growing on gently rolling plains. These plains are located between Lake Grace and the Fitzgerald River National Park in Western Australia.
Is it Safe?
The Government of Western Australia's Department of Parks and Wildlife has looked at this plant. They have classified it as "not threatened." This means that there are enough of these plants in the wild, and they are not currently in danger of disappearing.
