Verticordia dasystylis facts for kids

Verticordia dasystylis is a beautiful flowering plant found only in the south-west part of Western Australia. It's part of the myrtle family, called Myrtaceae. This small shrub has many stems, long leaves, and sweet-smelling, fluffy yellow and white flowers. There are three different types, or subspecies, of this plant. Each one is special and needs protection.

What Does This Plant Look Like?

Verticordia dasystylis is a shrub that usually grows up to about 40 cm (20 in) tall. It has many stems growing from its base. The leaves are shaped like a long oval, a bit like a spoon, and are about 2.0–3.5 mm (0.08–0.1 in) long. Their edges can be a little bumpy or have small bristles.

The flowers have a strong, pleasant smell. They grow in groups on straight stems that are about 1.5 mm (0.06 in) long. Each flower has a cup-shaped base, called a floral cup, which is about 2.0 mm (0.08 in) long. This cup is a bit hairy and warty.

The sepals, which are like small leaves protecting the flower bud, are pale yellow. They are about 4–7 mm (0.2–0.3 in) long and have 5 to 7 white parts with a fringe of rough hairs. The petals are yellow and shaped like an egg. They are about 2–3 mm (0.08–0.1 in) long and have many tiny threads on their ends, making them look fluffy. Inside the flower, there are stamens (which make pollen) and staminodes (which look like stamens but don't make pollen). The style, which is part of the female reproductive organ, is about 7–9 mm (0.3–0.4 in) long. It sticks out past the petals and is straight and hairy. This plant usually blooms from late September to early November.

Naming and Types

The plant Verticordia dasystylis was first officially described in 1991 by a scientist named Alex George. He published his description in a science journal called Nuytsia. The first plant used to describe the species was collected by George near Yellowdine.

The second part of the plant's name, dasystylis, comes from two ancient Greek words: dasys, meaning "hairy" or "shaggy," and stylos, meaning "style." This name refers to the very hairy style of the flower.

In the same paper from 1991, Alex George also described three different types, or subspecies, of Verticordia dasystylis. These types are:

• Verticordia dasystylis subsp. dasystylis: This type has staminodes that are 1.2–2.0 mm (0.05–0.08 in) long. Its flower stems are 1.5–4 mm (0.06–0.2 in) long, and its petals are 2.0–2.5 mm (0.08–0.1 in) long.
• Verticordia dasystylis subsp. kalbarriensis: This type has staminodes that are 2.1–2.5 mm (0.08–0.1 in) long. Its flower stems are 4–7 mm (0.2–0.3 in) long, and its petals are 3 mm (0.1 in) long.
• Verticordia dasystylis subsp. oestopoia: This type has very short staminodes, only about 0.7 mm (0.03 in) long.

Where Does It Grow?

Each subspecies of Verticordia dasystylis grows in slightly different places and conditions:

• The dasystylis subspecies is found in the Yellowdine - Lake Seabrook area. It likes to grow in shallow, rocky soil that comes from granite rocks.
• The kalbarriensis subspecies grows near the southern part of the Kalbarri National Park. It prefers stony clay soil in areas that get wet during winter, often near sandy plains.
• The oestopoia subspecies is found near the Arrowsmith River, Eneabba, and Bunjil. It grows in coarse sand or clay in open shrubland areas.

Protecting This Plant

All three subspecies of Verticordia dasystylis are important and need protection. The Western Australian Government's Department of Parks and Wildlife has given them special conservation statuses:

• The dasystylis subspecies is listed as "Priority Two." This means it's not very well known and is found in only a few places.
• The kalbarriensis subspecies is also listed as "Priority Two."
• The oestopoia subspecies is listed as "Priority One." This is the highest priority, meaning it's known from only one or a few locations, and these places might be at risk. Protecting these areas is very important to keep the plant safe.

Can You Grow It?

Because of their beautiful, "fluffy" flowers, all three subspecies of Verticordia dasystylis could be great garden plants. However, more research is needed to understand exactly what they need to grow well in gardens. Once scientists learn more, these lovely plants might become available for people to grow at home.