Strathmore weed facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Strathmore weed |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Pimelea
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| Species: |
prostrata
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Pimelea prostrata is a special plant from New Zealand. People call it by a few names, like Strathmore weed, New Zealand Daphne, and Pinatoro (which is its Māori name). It's a small, low-growing shrub that belongs to the Thymelaeaceae family. This plant is unique to New Zealand and has pretty small white flowers and leaves that are a cool blue-green color.
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What Does Pimelea Prostrata Look Like?
Pimelea prostrata is a type of plant that grows very close to the ground. This means it's a Prostrate shrub, spreading out instead of growing tall. Its leaves are a lovely blue-green color, and it has small white flowers.
Different Varieties of Pimelea Prostrata
The stems of this plant can be different lengths, usually from 30 to 60 centimeters long. This depends on the specific type, or "subspecies," of the plant.
- Pimelea prostrata subsp. prostrata is one type. It has stems that are about 30 centimeters long. Its small branches are often yellowish-brown.
How Pimelea Prostrata Is Grouped
Scientists group Pimelea prostrata into five main types. These types are called "subspecies." A subspecies is like a smaller group within a species. Plants in the same subspecies share even more features.
The Five Subspecies
The five subspecies of Pimelea prostrata are:
- Pimelea prostrata subsp. prostrata
- Pimelea prostrata subsp. seismica
- Pimelea prostrata subsp. thermalis
- Pimelea prostrata subsp. vulcanica
- Pimelea prostrata subsp. Ventosa
What Do the Names Mean?
The name Pimelea is a shorter version of a Greek word, "Pimeleoides." This word means "resembling Pimelea," which is another group of plants in the same family.
The second part of the name, prostrata, describes how the plant grows. It means "lying flat on the ground." This is because the plant spreads out low to the ground.
Important Safety Information
Like some other plants in the Pimelea group, Pimelea prostrata can be harmful to animals if they eat it. It's especially known to be poisonous to horses. So, it's important for animals to stay away from this plant.
