Spreading eutaxia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Spreading eutaxia |
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Eutaxia
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E. diffusa
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| Eutaxia diffusa |
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Eutaxia diffusa, also known as spreading eutaxia, is a type of shrub. It belongs to the Fabaceae family, which is also called the pea family. This plant is special because it only grows naturally in Australia.
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What Does Spreading Eutaxia Look Like?
These plants usually grow to be about 0.5 to 1 meter (about 1.5 to 3 feet) tall. They also spread out to be about the same width. Their small leaves are a grey-green color and are shaped like an upside-down egg. They are lighter underneath and have a pointy tip.
The flowers look like small peas. They have orange-yellow parts called keels, yellow wings, and a yellow top part called a standard. Sometimes, the yellow standard might have red marks. These pretty flowers appear between August and October in Australia. After the flowers, the plant grows oval-shaped fruits in November. These fruits are about 5.5 millimeters long and 4 millimeters wide.
How Did Spreading Eutaxia Get Its Name?
The plant Eutaxia diffusa was first named in 1858 by a botanist named Ferdinand von Mueller. He was a government botanist in Victoria, Australia. He wrote about it in his book Fragmenta Phytographiae Australiae.
The name diffusa comes from a Latin word that means "spreading widely or loosely." People think this name refers to how the plant spreads out. It might also refer to its leaves, which are not very crowded together.
In 1957, the plant was briefly called a subspecies of Eutaxia microphylla. But in 2010, Mueller's original name, Eutaxia diffusa, was brought back.
Where Does Spreading Eutaxia Grow?
Eutaxia diffusa grows in many parts of Australia. Its range stretches from Inglewood in Queensland down through New South Wales. In New South Wales, it is found in areas called mallee communities. It also grows into south-western Victoria and west across to South Australia.
Some other trees that often grow near Eutaxia diffusa include Eucalyptus behriana, Acacia trineura, and Melaleuca lanceolata.
Who Eats Spreading Eutaxia?
The caterpillars of the Fringed Blue butterfly like to eat this plant. It is an important food source for them.
