Summer starflower facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Summer starflower |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
.jpg) |
|
| Seed head of summer starflower | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Calytrix
|
| Species: |
flavescens
|
.jpg)
The Calytrix flavescens, often called the summer starflower, is a beautiful plant that belongs to the Myrtaceae family, which also includes eucalyptus trees. This special flower grows only in Western Australia, meaning it is endemic to that region.
Contents
Discovering the Summer Starflower
The summer starflower was first officially described by a botanist named Allan Cunningham. He wrote about it in 1834 in a science journal called Botanical Magazine. This was how the plant got its scientific name and became known to the world of botany.
What Does the Summer Starflower Look Like?
This lovely shrub usually grows to be about 0.3 to 0.8 meters (about 1 to 2.6 feet) tall. It can also spread out to be 0.3 to 0.5 meters (about 1 to 1.6 feet) wide. It has a full, open shape with leaves that stay green all year round.
When Does It Bloom?
The summer starflower is famous for its bright yellow, star-shaped flowers. These pretty blooms usually appear between October and January. Imagine a bush covered in tiny yellow stars!
How Long Does It Live?
This plant is a perennial, which means it lives for more than two years. However, it tends to have a shorter lifespan compared to some other perennial plants.
Where Does the Summer Starflower Grow?
You can find the summer starflower in several parts of Western Australia. It likes to grow in sandy areas, on gentle slopes, and sometimes even in wet, swampy spots. It prefers sandy soils that are found over different types of rock like granite, laterite, or sandstone.
Regions Where It Thrives
The plant is found across several regions. These include the Mid West, Wheatbelt, South West, and Great Southern areas of Western Australia.
Growing Your Own Summer Starflower
If you want to grow a summer starflower, you can start it from a seed. You can also grow new plants from cuttings, which are small pieces taken from an existing plant. Both soft new growth and harder, older stems can be used for cuttings.
Why Grow This Plant?
The summer starflower is a great choice for gardens or pots. It looks wonderful as a special feature plant. When it's flowering, it attracts bees, which are important for pollination. The flowers can also be cut and used in bouquets.
Tough and Resilient
This plant is quite strong and easy to care for. It can handle dry periods, so it's drought resistant. It can also survive cold temperatures and light freezes, making it frost tolerant.
