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Richea
Richea pandanifolia fragment.jpg
Richea pandanifolia
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Richea

Richea is a group of plants that can be either shrubs or trees. They belong to the plant family called Ericaceae, which also includes heather and rhododendrons. There are about 10 to 12 different kinds, or species, of Richea. These plants are very similar to another group of plants called Dracophyllum.

What is Richea?

Richea plants are known for being evergreen, which means they keep their leaves all year round. Their leaves are usually long and slender. The flowers of Richea are small but can be quite colorful. You might see them in white, yellow, pink, or red.

Where Richea Grows

Most Richea species grow in Australia, especially on the island of Tasmania. Many of these plants prefer to live in mountain areas, where the climate can be cooler and sometimes wetter.

How Richea Got Its Name

The name Richea was chosen to honor a French botanist named Claude Antoine Gaspard Riche. He lived from 1762 to 1797 and was a scientist who studied plants.

Famous Richea Species

One of the most well-known species in this group is Richea pandanifolia. This plant can grow very tall, sometimes reaching up to 15 meters (about 49 feet) high! Because of its height and appearance, it is often called the "giant grass tree".

Richea in Gardens

Some types of Richea plants can be interesting choices for gardens. People might choose to grow them for their unique look or their colorful flowers.

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