Phebalium obovatum facts for kids

Phebalium obovatum is a special type of shrub that only grows in Western Australia. This means it is endemic to that area. It has thick leaves that look like eggs or ovals. The underside of its leaves is covered in shiny silver scales. Its white flowers grow in clusters called umbels, which look like tiny umbrellas. The back of the flowers also has silver or rust-colored scales.

What Does Phebalium Obovatum Look Like?

Phebalium obovatum is a shrub that spreads out. It usually grows to be about 0.2–1.0 m (7.9 in – 3 ft 3.4 in) (which is about 8 inches to 3 feet) tall. Its leaves are thick and shaped like an egg or an oval. Each leaf is about 5 mm (0.20 in) long and 1.5–2 mm (0.059–0.079 in) wide. The top of the leaves is shiny. The bottom of the leaves is covered with silvery scales, making them look shimmery.

The flowers grow in groups called umbels. Each flower sits on a small stalk called a pedicel, which is 1.5–2.5 mm (0.059–0.098 in) long and has scales. Each flower has five sepals, which are like small leaves that protect the flower bud. These sepals are 2–2.5 mm (0.079–0.098 in) long and are joined together for about half their length. They are covered with silvery to rust-colored scales on the outside.

The petals of the flower are white and shaped like ovals. They are about 4 mm (0.16 in) long. The back of the petals also has silvery to rust-colored scales. This plant usually blooms, or flowers, from September to December.

How Was This Plant Named?

This plant was first officially described in 1970. A scientist named Paul Wilson wrote about it in a science journal called Nuytsia. At first, he named it Phebalium lepidotum var. obovatum.

Then, in 1998, after studying the plants in nature for 30 years, Paul Wilson decided to give it a new name. He changed it to Phebalium obovatum. This new name recognized it as its own unique species, not just a type of another plant.

Where Does Phebalium Obovatum Grow?

Phebalium obovatum likes to grow in areas with heath or mallee woodland. These are types of plant communities found in Australia. You can find this shrub in the Ravensthorpe district of Western Australia.

Is This Plant Safe?

The Government of Western Australia's Department of Parks and Wildlife keeps track of plants and animals. They have classified Phebalium obovatum as "not threatened." This means that there are enough of these plants in the wild, and they are not currently in danger of disappearing.