Splendid daisy-bush facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Splendid daisy-bush |
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| Olearia magniflora growing near Mildura | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Olearia
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| Species: |
magniflora
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The splendid daisy-bush (scientific name: Olearia magniflora) is a beautiful small shrub. It has lovely clusters of deep mauve to purple flowers. This plant is also known as the splendid daisy-bush because its flowers look like daisies.
Contents
What is the Splendid Daisy-Bush Like?
The splendid daisy-bush is a shrub that grows upright. It can reach about 1.5 metres (5 feet) tall. Its branches are smooth and a bit woody.
Leaves and Flowers
The leaves of this plant are dark green on top and lighter underneath. They feel smooth and a little sticky. The leaves are arranged one after another along the stem. They are usually 8 to 18 millimetres (0.3 to 0.7 inches) long. They are also 2 to 5 millimetres (0.08 to 0.2 inches) wide. Each leaf has a clear line down the middle. The edges of the leaves are often toothed and rolled inwards.
The flowers grow in single groups at the end of the branches. Each group has 14 to 20 flowers. The "petals" are actually called ligules. They are long and thin, about 18 to 24 millimetres long. These ligules are a beautiful mauve to purple colour. The middle of the flower is yellow. It is made up of 30 to 56 tiny florets.
The plant flowers from July to January. After flowering, it produces small, dry, needle-shaped fruits. These fruits are about 3 to 5 millimetres long. They contain one seed each, which spreads when ready.
How Did It Get Its Name?
The splendid daisy-bush was first described in 1865. A scientist named Ferdinand von Mueller gave it the name Aster magniflora. He wrote about it in a book called Fragmenta phytographiae Australiae.
Later, in 1867, another scientist named George Bentham changed its name. He renamed it Olearia magniflora. This new name was published in his book Flora Australiensis.
Where Does It Grow?
The splendid daisy-bush grows in several parts of Australia. You can find it in New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, and South Australia.
In New South Wales, it mainly grows near areas like Balranald and Wentworth. It also grows further north, up to Wilcannia. This plant likes to grow in sandy loam soils that drain well. It can be found in areas with heath, woodlands, and mallee (a type of bushland).
