Swamp musk facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Swamp musk |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Mazus
|
| Species: |
radicans
|
Mazus radicans, also known as swamp musk, is a small plant that grows in wet areas. It belongs to the Phrymaceae family and is originally from New Zealand.
Contents
What Does Swamp Musk Look Like?
Swamp musk is a small plant that spreads out across the ground. Its main stems lie flat and grow roots where they touch the ground. It has short, leafy side branches. Some branches grow underground or horizontally.
The leaves are often brownish. They have a stem (called a petiole) that can be from 3 to 70 millimeters (about 0.1 to 2.8 inches) long. This stem has thin, wing-like edges. The leaves themselves are shaped like an egg or oval, about 5 to 35 millimeters (0.2 to 1.4 inches) long and 4 to 15 millimeters (0.16 to 0.6 inches) wide. Their base narrows down, and their edges are slightly wavy or have small teeth. The tips of the leaves are usually broad and rounded. Soft hairs can be found along the edges of the leaves.
The flowers usually grow at the end of the short side branches. The flower stems (called pedicels) are about 15 to 130 millimeters (0.6 to 5.1 inches) long. Small leaf-like parts called bracteoles grow along these stems. The flowers have a cup-like base (called a calyx) that is about 3 to 7.5 millimeters (0.12 to 0.3 inches) long. The flowers themselves are purple. They are white on the outside with purple inside, and the very inside is a deep purple. They also have a white and yellow lower lip. This lower lip has rounded parts and is smooth, except for a raised area called the palate. The tube of the flower is twice as long as the calyx. The upper lip is about 4 to 8.5 millimeters (0.16 to 0.33 inches) long. After flowering, the plant produces pink and red fruit capsules that are broadly oval-shaped and stay on the plant.
Where Does Swamp Musk Grow?
New Zealand Locations
Swamp musk is a common plant found in wet areas on the South Island of New Zealand. You can see it in damp places like wild wetlands and swamps. It is an endemic species, meaning it is only found naturally in New Zealand. On the North Island, it grows in places like Awanui near Kaitaia, Hautai Beach, and Waipapa Stream near East Cape.
This plant can survive in higher parts of New Zealand, from 100 to 1100 meters (about 330 to 3600 feet) above sea level. It is found in alpine regions up to 1200 meters (about 3900 feet) from Mt Egmont (in the Taranaki area) and the Huiarau Ranges southwards to Fiordland.
Preferred Habitats
Swamp musk likes to grow in lowland swamp forests, in coastal wetlands where there isn't much other plant life, and in moist areas just below the alpine zone. It prefers spots with short, thick sedges and grasses. Often, these places have water covering them for part of the year or are heavily grazed by animals.
Life Cycle of Swamp Musk
Mazus radicans can live for many years (perennial) or just one year (annual). In New Zealand, it usually flowers from November to March, which is during the summer. In autumn, the fruits ripen, but they do not fall off the plant.
Fresh seeds can easily sprout. The best conditions for new plants to grow are in soil that is always moist or poorly drained, especially if it's in the shade. This provides good cover for the young plants. Bees help to pollinate the flowers, which means they help the plant make seeds.
