Prostanthera lithospermoides facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Prostanthera lithospermoides |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Prostanthera
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| Species: |
lithospermoides
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Prostanthera lithospermoides is a type of plant that grows as a tall, spreading shrub. It has pretty white or pale mauve (light purple) flowers. You can find this plant growing naturally in parts of New South Wales and Queensland, Australia.
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About the Prostanthera lithospermoides Plant
This plant is a tall, open shrub that can grow up to 2 to 3 meters (about 6 to 10 feet) high. Its stems are covered in very short, soft, silky hairs that are light in color.
What Does it Look Like?
The leaves of Prostanthera lithospermoides are shaped like an oblong or a spear. They are usually 2 to 5 centimeters (about 1 to 2 inches) long. The leaves have smooth edges and are either flat or slightly curved inwards. They grow on a short stalk called a petiole.
The flowers can be blue, white, or a light purple color. Inside the flower, there are often several yellowish spots. These flowers grow from the spots where the leaves join the stem, on long, arching branches.
A Special Scent (or Lack Thereof!)
Many plants in the Prostanthera group are known as "mint bushes" because their leaves smell like mint when you crush them. However, Prostanthera lithospermoides is special! It is one of the few plants in this group that does not have a minty smell.
Where This Plant Grows
You can find Prostanthera lithospermoides in different areas. In Queensland, it grows near towns like Westmar, Glenmorgan, and Yuleba. In New South Wales, it is found near a place called Enngonia.
How it Got its Name
The scientific name Prostanthera lithospermoides was first officially written down in 1868. This was done by a famous botanist named Ferdinand von Mueller. He published his description of the plant in a book called Fragmenta Phytographiae Australiae.
