Verticordia bifimbriata facts for kids

Verticordia bifimbriata is a beautiful flowering plant that belongs to the myrtle family, called Myrtaceae. This plant is special because it only grows in the south-west part of Western Australia. It's an open, bushy plant with small leaves and pretty pink flowers that grow in spikes.

What Does Verticordia bifimbriata Look Like?

Verticordia bifimbriata is a shrub that has many branches. It usually grows from a single stem at its base. This plant can reach a height of about 30 to 90 centimeters (12 to 35 inches). It can also spread out to be 15 to 40 centimeters (6 to 16 inches) wide.

Leaves and Flowers

The leaves of this plant are thick and narrow. They are shaped like an oval and are slightly curved inwards. Each leaf is about 1.5 to 4 millimeters (0.06 to 0.16 inches) long. Their edges are not smooth; they have small, irregular teeth.

The flowers of Verticordia bifimbriata have a lovely scent. They grow in spikes near the ends of the branches. Each flower sits on a small stalk, about 2.0 to 2.5 millimeters (0.08 to 0.10 inches) long. The part of the flower that holds the petals, called the floral cup, is shaped like a top. It is also about 2.0 to 2.5 millimeters long and has five rounded ridges.

The sepals, which are like small leaves that protect the flower bud, are pink. They are about 5 to 6 millimeters (0.20 to 0.24 inches) long. They have 6 to 9 thread-like fringes and other noticeable fringed parts. The petals are also pink and are a bit longer, around 5.5 to 6.5 millimeters (0.22 to 0.26 inches). They have a fringe of threads that branch out, making them look very delicate. The style, which is part of the flower's reproductive system, is curved and about 5 to 6 millimeters long. It has tiny hairs, like a beard, about 0.5 millimeters (0.02 inches) long. You can see these beautiful flowers from late November all the way through May.

How Verticordia bifimbriata Got Its Name

The plant Verticordia bifimbriata was officially described for the first time in 1991. A scientist named Alex George wrote the description. He published it in a science journal called Nuytsia. The plants he studied were found near a place called Wannamal.

The second part of its name, bifimbriata, comes from two Latin words. The prefix bi- means "twice-over." The word fimbriatus means "fringed with hairs." This name perfectly describes the plant's petals, which have fringes that are themselves fringed!

Where Verticordia bifimbriata Lives

Verticordia bifimbriata likes to grow in sandy soil. Often, this sand is found over a type of rock called laterite. Sometimes, it grows in areas near granite rocks that get wet during the winter. You can find it in different types of plant communities, like heathlands, shrublands, or Eucalyptus woodlands.

This plant is found in a region of Western Australia between places like Mogumber, New Norcia, Bindoon, and the Dryandra Woodland. These areas are part of the Avon Wheatbelt, Jarrah Forest, and Swan Coastal Plain regions.

Protecting Verticordia bifimbriata

Good news! The Western Australian Government Department of Parks and Wildlife has classified Verticordia bifimbriata as "not threatened." This means it is not currently in danger of disappearing.

Growing Verticordia bifimbriata in Gardens

Many people like to grow Verticordia bifimbriata in their gardens. It can be a slender or bushy plant with lovely, delicately scented flowers. This makes it a very attractive choice for a garden.

Gardeners usually grow new plants from seeds. These plants can start flowering within 18 months of the seeds sprouting. Sometimes, they are slow to get started, but once they do, they often grow very strongly. This plant can even grow well in places like Sydney, Australia, which has wet summers. It can also handle light frosts, which means it's quite tough!