Ptilotus schwartzii facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ptilotus schwartzii |
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Scientific classification | |
Synonyms | |
Ptilotus fraseri var. schwartzii F.Muell. |
Ptilotus schwartzii is a special plant that looks a bit like grass. It belongs to the Amaranthaceae family, which has many different kinds of plants. This plant is known for its lovely flowers that can be white, pink, or purple.
Where This Plant Lives
The Ptilotus schwartzii plant is found only in Australia. It grows in several parts of the country. You can find it in Western Australia, South Australia, the Northern Territory, and Queensland. This means it's a truly Australian plant!
What This Plant Looks Like
This plant is a type of herb that lives for many years. It usually grows to be about 0.2 to 1 meter tall. It likes to grow in sandy soil or sandy clay. Its stems are thin and strong, with a dull blue-green color. The Ptilotus schwartzii blooms from March all the way to October. During these months, you can see its beautiful white, pink, or purple flowers. It often grows near streams in flat, sandy areas.
How This Plant Got Its Name
The Ptilotus schwartzii has an interesting naming story. It was first described in 1888 by a scientist named Ferdinand von Mueller. He called it Ptilotus fraseri var. schwartzii at that time. He found a sample of the plant near the MacDonnell Ranges that was collected by Reverend Mr. Schwartz. Later, in 1989, another scientist named Ralph Tate decided it was unique enough to be its own species. So, he officially named it Ptilotus schwartzii, which is the name we use today.