Prostanthera oleoides facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Prostanthera oleoides |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Prostanthera
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| Species: |
oleoides
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| Occurrence data from AVH | |
Prostanthera oleoides is a type of flowering plant. It is a shrub that grows only in central Queensland, Australia. This means it is endemic to that area. It has a tall, open shape with branches that have four sides. Its leaves are narrow and can be oval or egg-shaped. The plant produces pretty mauve (light purple) flowers. These flowers often have darker purple markings.
About This Plant
Prostanthera oleoides is an open, upright shrub. It can grow up to 2 m (6 ft 7 in) (about 6.5 feet) tall. Its small branches have four distinct sides. The leaves are dark green on top and lighter underneath. They are shaped like narrow ovals or eggs. Each leaf is about 18–30 mm (0.71–1.18 in) long and 4–6 mm (0.16–0.24 in) wide. They attach to the stem with a short stalk called a petiole, which is 1–3 mm (0.039–0.118 in) long.
Its Flowers
The flowers of Prostanthera oleoides grow in groups. You can find eight to fourteen flowers together. They usually appear near the ends of the branches. Each flower sits on a tiny stalk about 1–3 mm (0.039–0.118 in) long. The flower has green-red sepals. These are like small leaves that protect the flower bud. They form a tube about 2–3 mm (0.079–0.118 in) long. The petals are mauve, which is a light purple color. They have darker purple markings. The petals are 10–12 mm (0.39–0.47 in) long and form a tube about 3–5 mm (0.12–0.20 in) long. The flower has two main parts, like lips. The lower central part is about 4–5 mm (0.16–0.20 in) long. The side parts are 3–4 mm (0.12–0.16 in) long. The upper part is egg-shaped. It is about 3–4 mm (0.12–0.16 in) long and wide. It also has a small notch in the middle.
How it Got its Name
Prostanthera oleoides was officially named in 2015. Two scientists, Trevor Wilson and Barry Conn, described it. They published their findings in a science journal called Telopea. They studied plants collected from the Blackdown Tableland National Park.
Where it Grows
This special plant is found only in central Queensland, Australia. It lives in areas with sandstone rock. You can see it in places like the Blackdown Tableland. It also grows in Expedition National Park and Chesterton Range National Park. It prefers soil that comes from sandstone. You can find it on or below sandstone cliffs.
Conservation Status
The Queensland Government has a list of plants and animals. This list helps protect nature. Prostanthera oleoides is currently listed as "least concern." This means it is not in danger of disappearing. This classification is under the Queensland Government's Nature Conservation Act 1992.
