Prostanthera semiteres facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Prostanthera semiteres |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Prostanthera
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| Species: |
semiteres
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| Occurrence data from AVH | |
Prostanthera semiteres is a special kind of flowering plant. It belongs to the Lamiaceae family, which includes mint! This plant is a small shrub that only grows in Western Australia. It has pretty pink or red flowers and long, narrow leaves.
Contents
What Does This Plant Look Like?
Prostanthera semiteres is a shrub that can grow up to about 1.4 meters (around 4.5 feet) tall. Its branches are smooth and do not have any hairs.
Leaves and Flowers
The leaves of this plant are also smooth. They are narrow and shaped like an egg, but with the narrower end at the bottom. They are quite small, ranging from 2 to 12 millimeters long and 0.5 to 1.2 millimeters wide. Some leaves attach directly to the stem, while others have a very short stalk.
The flowers grow one by one where the leaves meet the stem. Each flower sits on a small stalk that is 3 to 15 millimeters long. The green parts under the petals, called sepals, are 5 to 7.5 millimeters long. They form a tube that is 4 to 6 millimeters long.
The petals are usually pink or red. They are quite long, about 16 to 25 millimeters, and form a tube at their base. This tube is 6 to 14 millimeters long. The lower part of the petal tube has three small sections, or lobes. The middle lobe is egg-shaped and 2 to 3.5 millimeters long. The two side lobes are 1 to 3 millimeters long. The upper part of the petal tube is 3 to 5 millimeters long and has a small notch at the top.
How This Plant Got Its Name
Prostanthera semiteres was first officially described in 1984. A scientist named Barry Conn wrote about it in a science journal. He studied plant samples that another scientist, Robert Chinnock, had collected in 1976 near a place called Campion.
Different Types of Prostanthera semiteres
Barry Conn also described two slightly different types of this plant. These are called subspecies. The Australian Plant Census recognizes both of them:
- Prostanthera semiteres subsp. intricata: This type has shorter leaves, usually 2 to 6 millimeters long. Its flower stalks are longer, from 7 to 15 millimeters.
- Prostanthera semiteres subsp. semiteres: This type has longer leaves, mostly 9 to 11 millimeters long. Its flower stalks are shorter, up to 5.5 millimeters.
Where Does This Plant Live?
This mintbush grows in Western Australia. You can often find it growing among granite rocks. It lives in specific natural areas known as the Avon Wheatbelt, Coolgardie, and Mallee regions.
Is This Plant in Danger?
Good news! Both types of Prostanthera semiteres are considered "not threatened." This means they are not currently at risk of disappearing. The Government of Western Australia's Department of Parks and Wildlife keeps track of this.
