Swamp peppermint facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Swamp peppermint |
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| Scientific classification | |
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Taxandria
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| Species: |
linearifolia
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The Taxandria linearifolia, also known as the swamp peppermint or the coarse teatree, is a cool plant that grows in the coastal areas of Western Australia. It's a type of small tree or shrub. This plant used to be called Agonis linearifolia, but now it's part of the Taxandria genus.
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What Does the Swamp Peppermint Look Like?
This interesting shrub or small tree can grow quite tall, up to 5 metres (16 ft) (about 16 feet)! It has pretty white flowers that bloom at different times of the year. You might see them between March and May, or later from September to December.
Where Does the Swamp Peppermint Grow?
You can often find the swamp peppermint growing near swamps and along the edges of rivers and streams. It likes to live in the Peel and South West areas of Western Australia. It's not too picky about soil, growing well in loam, clay, or sand that sits on top of quartzite or granite rock.
How Scientists Classified This Plant
Plants are often moved into different groups as scientists learn more about them. The swamp peppermint is a good example!
Early Discoveries
A botanist named Augustin Pyramus de Candolle first described this plant in 1828. He called it Leptospermum linearifolium. Later, in 1830, another person named R. Sweet moved it into the Agonis group.
Modern Classification
But the story doesn't end there! In 2007, two scientists, Wheeler and Marchant, looked closely at the plant again. They decided it was different enough to be placed in a brand new group, or genus, called Taxandria. That's why its official name is now T. linearifolia.
Related Plants
- Eucalyptus rodwayi, which is also sometimes called the swamp peppermint.
