Silky wilsonia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Silky wilsonia |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Wilsonia (plant)
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| Species: |
humilis
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| Synonyms | |
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Frankenia cymbifolia Hook. |
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The silky wilsonia (also known as Wilsonia humilis) is a small, tough plant that grows in Australia. It's a type of subshrub, which means it's a bit like a bush but smaller and often stays low to the ground. This plant belongs to the Convolvulaceae family, which also includes morning glories! You can often find silky wilsonia growing in salty areas near the coast, like saltmarshes, or sometimes even further inland where the soil is salty. It's really good at growing in places where other plants might struggle.
Contents
What Does the Silky Wilsonia Look Like?
The silky wilsonia is a very low-growing plant. It often spreads out to form a mat on the ground, usually growing only up to 10 centimeters (about 4 inches) tall. The plant gets its "silky" name because it's covered in short, white hairs. These hairs make the plant look a bit silvery, especially in the sunlight.
Its leaves are small and grow very close together. They are shaped like a tiny spoon (concave) and overlap each other. Each leaf is only about 1.5 to 4 millimeters long and 2 to 3 millimeters wide.
Flowers and Fruits
Between September and December, which is spring and early summer in Australia, the silky wilsonia produces small white flowers. After the flowers, tiny fruits appear. These fruits are called "capsular fruits" and are only about 3 millimeters long. They hold the plant's seeds.
How It Got Its Name
The silky wilsonia was first officially described in 1810. A famous botanist named Robert Brown gave it its scientific name, Wilsonia humilis. He wrote about it in his book called Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae. This book was very important because it described many new plants from Australia.
Where Does It Grow?
This special plant is native to Australia. You can find it growing naturally in several Australian states. These include Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, and Tasmania.
There was once a record of it growing in New South Wales, but experts are not sure if that record is correct. In Tasmania, the silky wilsonia is quite rare. It has only been found in a few specific places, such as near Pitwater, Dunalley, and Cape Portland.
