Rocky kunzea facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rocky kunzea |
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| growing on moss near Cowan Creek, Australia | |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Kunzea
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| Species: |
rupestris
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Kunzea rupestris, also known as the rocky kunzea, is a special and rare plant from Australia. It belongs to the myrtle family, just like eucalyptus trees. You can only find about 20 groups of these plants growing naturally. All of them are located just north of Sydney. Some places where they grow include Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and Marramarra National Park.
This plant faces several dangers. These include work done on walking tracks, harmful weeds that take over, and people removing rocks and sand. Also, how fires are managed and even the cut flower industry can threaten this unique plant.
Contents
What the Rocky Kunzea Looks Like
The rocky kunzea grows as a spreading shrub. It can be anywhere from 0.5 to 2 metres (about 1.5 to 6.5 feet) tall. It has many leaves that are 6 to 11 mm long and 1.5 to 3 mm wide. These leaves are shaped like a spearhead, with a pointed tip.
When new parts of the plant grow, they are covered in soft, shaggy hairs. Older leaves, however, might not have any hairs at all. In spring, this plant produces white to cream-coloured flowers. These flowers grow in small groups right at the ends of the branches.
Where the Rocky Kunzea Lives
Kunzea rupestris usually grows on rocky areas. It can be found between Lower Portland in the north and Kuring-gai Chase National Park to the south. This area is in central New South Wales, Australia.
You often find these plants growing in small dips or cracks in the rocks. The soil there is usually shallow and not very rich. Sometimes, they even grow near moss. They live at heights between 50 metres and 300 metres above sea level. Their home is sunny and often experiences droughts, high temperatures, heavy rain, and sometimes frost and fire.
How the Rocky Kunzea Reproduces
The fruit of the rocky kunzea is about 4 to 5 mm long and 2.5 mm wide. These fruits usually do not open up to release their seeds when they are ripe. Inside, they have two small sections that hold the seeds. These seeds can stay dormant, meaning they can wait a long time before growing.
If the plant is damaged or if there is a fire, it can grow back from its base. However, new seedlings have also been seen growing after fires. Sometimes, this plant can even mix with another plant called Kunzea capitata to create a hybrid.
How the Rocky Kunzea Was Discovered
The first time botanists collected this plant was in 1927. They found it growing on bare sandstone rocks near Canoelands, New South Wales. The specific rock shelf was close to the Colo trig station, which is 262 metres above sea level.
The plant was first written about in a science paper in 1929. This paper was published in the journal of the Linnean Society of New South Wales by William Blakely. The name rupestris means "near rocks," which perfectly describes where this plant likes to grow.
