Rusty velvet bush facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rusty petals |
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| Lasiopetalum ferrugineum growing by the Lane Cove River, Australia | |
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| Scientific classification | |
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Lasiopetalum
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| Species: |
ferrugineum
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Lasiopetalum ferrugineum, also known as rusty velvet bush or rusty petals, is a common shrub found in eastern Australia. It belongs to the mallow family, which includes plants like hibiscus and cotton. This plant can grow up to about one meter (3 feet) tall. Much of its stems and leaves are covered in soft, rusty-colored hairs, which gives it its name. You can often find it growing in forests, woodlands, and open heathland areas.
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Discovering the Rusty Petals Plant
The rusty petals plant was first officially described by a botanist named Henry Cranke Andrews in 1802. He included it in his book, The Botanist's Repository for New, and Rare Plants. The plant's scientific name, ferrugineum, comes from a Latin word that means "rust-colored." This is a perfect description for its fuzzy, reddish-brown look!
Different Types of Rusty Petals
Scientists recognize two main types, or varieties, of this plant:
- var. ferrugineum
- var. cordatum: This type has broader leaves that are shaped like a heart.
What Does the Rusty Petals Plant Look Like?
The Lasiopetalum ferrugineum is a shrub that can grow in different ways. Sometimes it spreads out low to the ground, and other times it stands taller, up to about 1 meter (3 feet) high. It can also spread out to be 1 to 3 meters (3 to 10 feet) wide.
Its new branches and leaves are covered in bright red-brown hairs. The leaves are long and narrow, usually about 2 to 12 centimeters (1 to 5 inches) long and 0.5 to 4 centimeters (0.2 to 1.5 inches) wide. You can see clear veins on both sides of the leaves. On the underside, these veins are often raised and have a rusty color.
Flowers of the Rusty Petals
The plant usually flowers from September to November. Its flowers grow in small clusters of five to ten. Each cluster is about 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) long. The individual flowers are about 1.2 centimeters (0.5 inches) across. The outside of the flower parts (called calyces) are rust-colored and covered with fine hairs, while the inside is white.
Where Does the Rusty Petals Plant Grow?
You can find the rusty petals plant in several parts of eastern Australia. Its range stretches from Queensland, through New South Wales, and into Victoria. It likes to grow in certain types of environments:
- Sclerophyll forest: These are forests with tough, hard-leaved plants that can handle dry conditions.
- Heathland: These are open areas with low-growing shrubs and sandy soils.
The plant's shape can change depending on where it grows. In open, windy spots, it might be a low, spreading shrub. But in more sheltered areas like gullies, it can grow taller. It especially likes sandy soils.
Growing Rusty Petals at Home
The Lasiopetalum ferrugineum was brought to England for gardens way back in 1791. People like to grow it because its new, rust-colored growth looks very pretty. It's a fairly easy plant to grow in a garden, especially if it gets some shade. You can start new plants from seeds or by taking cuttings from an existing plant.
Images for kids
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Lasiopetalum ferrugineum growing by the Lane Cove River, Australia
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Lasiopetalum ferrugineum var. cordatum growing in bushland near Willow Vale
