Stilted tinsel lily facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Stilted tinsel lily |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Calectasia
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| Species: |
pignattiana
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The Stilted Tinsel Lily, also called Calectasia pignattiana, is a special plant. It's a type of herb that lives for many years. You can only find it in the southwest part of Western Australia. This plant is quite rare, known from only ten places. Because it's so rare, it's considered a vulnerable species.
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About the Stilted Tinsel Lily
The Stilted Tinsel Lily is a prickly plant that grows from underground stems called rhizomes. It can reach about 50 centimeters (almost 20 inches) tall.
Unlike some other plants in its family, this lily has special "stilt roots." These roots can be 10 to 60 millimeters long and help the plant stand up. Sometimes, even longer stilt roots (up to 150 millimeters) can grow from the upper branches.
Its stems are thin and can grow up to 60 centimeters long. They have many side branches. The leaves are small, about 5 to 11.5 millimeters long and 0.9 to 1.4 millimeters wide. They are smooth and do not have hairs.
The flowers are very pretty! They have six petals that start out dark blue. As the flowers get older, the blue color slowly fades to white. In the center of the flower, you'll see yellow parts called anthers. These also change color, turning orange-red as they age. You can usually see these flowers blooming from June to September.
How the Plant Got Its Name
The Stilted Tinsel Lily, Calectasia pignattiana, is one of eleven different species in the group called Calectasia. Scientists officially named this new species in 2001. It was discovered by R.L.Barrett and K.W.Dixon near a place called Quairading.
The second part of its scientific name, pignattiana, was chosen to honor two professors from Rome: Erika and Alessandro Pignatti. They were celebrated on their 70th birthdays because they had done a lot of important work. They helped us learn more about the plants in southwest Australia and found many new types of plants.
Where the Stilted Tinsel Lily Lives
The Stilted Tinsel Lily is considered vulnerable because of where it grows. Out of the ten places where it has been found, four are right next to roads. This means they are in danger from things like road construction or cars.
One group of these plants is at risk from fires that happen too often. Another group is thought to have been completely cleared away. Some places only have one or two plants left, which makes them very fragile.
This lily likes to grow in a special type of yellow sand. It lives in an area called "kwongan," which is a unique kind of plant community in Australia. This specific soil type is not very common, which also limits where the plant can live.
Protecting the Stilted Tinsel Lily
The Australian Government considers Calectasia pignattiana to be a vulnerable species. This means it is at risk of becoming endangered if we don't protect it.
One of the biggest threats to this plant is the European rabbit. Rabbits can eat the plants or damage their habitat, making it harder for the Stilted Tinsel Lily to survive and grow. Efforts are being made to protect the areas where these special plants live.
