Philotheca cuticularis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Philotheca cuticularis |
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|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Philotheca
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| Species: |
cuticularis
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The Philotheca cuticularis is a special kind of flowering plant. It belongs to the Rutaceae family, which also includes citrus fruits. This plant is found only in Queensland, Australia. When a plant or animal is found only in one place, it is called endemic.
This plant is a small, rounded shrub. It has tiny leaves that grow close together. Its small white flowers grow one by one at the ends of its branches.
Contents
What Does Philotheca cuticularis Look Like?
The Philotheca cuticularis is a round-shaped shrub. It usually grows to be about 0.6 meters (about 2 feet) tall. Its branches have small bumps that look like warts. These bumps are actually glands.
Leaves and Flowers
The leaves of this shrub are packed together. They are mostly round or tube-shaped. Like the branches, the leaves also have tiny bumps. Each leaf is very small, only about 1.5 to 2 millimeters long.
The flowers are white and grow one at a time. They are found at the very tips of the branches. Each flower sits on a tiny stalk called a pedicel. This stalk is only about 0.5 to 1 millimeter long.
Each flower has five sepals. Sepals are like small, leaf-like parts that protect the flower bud. They are about 1 to 2 millimeters long. The flower also has five white petals. These petals are shaped like ovals and are about 2.5 millimeters long. Inside the flower, there are ten stamens. Stamens are the parts that make pollen. They are separate from each other and have tiny hairs on them.
How Philotheca cuticularis Got Its Name
Scientists give every living thing a special two-part name. This helps everyone know exactly which plant or animal they are talking about. The Philotheca cuticularis was first officially described in 1998.
Who Discovered and Named It?
A scientist named Paul Wilson gave this plant its formal name. He wrote about it in a science journal called Nuytsia. The plant specimens he studied were collected by Rosemary Purdie in 1984. She found them in an area called the Grey-Gowan Ranges.
Where Does Philotheca cuticularis Grow?
This special plant grows in Queensland, Australia. It prefers to live in shallow soil. You can find it in the Gowan Range area of southern Queensland.
Is Philotheca cuticularis Endangered?
It is important to protect plants and animals. Scientists check to see if different species are safe or if they are in danger of disappearing. The Philotheca cuticularis is currently not considered to be in danger.
Conservation Status
The Queensland Government has a law called the Nature Conservation Act 1992. Under this law, Philotheca cuticularis is listed as being of "least concern." This means there are plenty of these plants, and they are not at risk right now.
