Slender velvet bush facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Slender velvet bush |
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|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Lasiopetalum
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| Species: |
baueri
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The Lasiopetalum baueri, also known as the slender velvet bush, is a common shrub. It belongs to the mallow family. This plant was first described by Joachim Steetz in 1806. It was named after Ferdinand Bauer, a famous plant artist from the 1800s.
Contents
About the Slender Velvet Bush
The slender velvet bush is a small, bushy shrub. It spreads out and grows to be about 0.3 to 1.5 meters (1 to 5 feet) tall. It can also spread 1 to 2.5 meters (3 to 8 feet) wide.
Leaves and New Growth
The new parts growing on the plant are covered in soft, reddish-brown hairs. Its leaves are grey-green and can be long and narrow or slightly oval-shaped. They are usually 1.5 to 6 centimeters (0.6 to 2.4 inches) long and about 0.5 centimeters (0.2 inches) wide. The edges of the leaves curl slightly downwards. When the leaves are new, they are hairy underneath. But the top side becomes smooth as they get older.
Flowers
This plant mainly flowers in spring, from August to October. It can have many flowers. The flower clusters are called cymes and have one to six flowers. These clusters are covered in thick hairs. The pinkish flower cups (called calyces) are about 1.2 centimeters (half an inch) wide. They are very hairy on the outside. Inside, they can be pink, white, or green and have fewer hairs.
Where It Grows
You can find the slender velvet bush in several parts of Australia. It grows in southern South Australia and central and western Victoria. It is also found in southwestern New South Wales, mainly near Rankins Springs. You can also see it in the north-east of Tasmania.
Preferred Environment
This bush likes to grow in mallee areas. These are places with many small, multi-stemmed eucalyptus trees. It also grows on coastal cliffs. It prefers sandy soil, often on top of limestone. The top layer of soil can be neutral or slightly acidic. However, the soil underneath is usually very alkaline (the opposite of acidic).
Growing and Using the Plant
The slender velvet bush is easy to grow in dry places. It needs soil that drains water well and lots of sunshine. People often use it to help block wind or as a living fence (a hedge). It grows back nicely after being trimmed.
History and Uses
People started growing this plant in gardens in England in 1868. Its dried flowers last a long time. This means they could be used in flower arrangements, like cut flowers.
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