Verticordia densiflora var. rosteostella facts for kids
Verticordia densiflora var. rosteostella 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 a type of shrub with small leaves and pretty, star-shaped flowers that are usually yellowish and pink. This plant is one of five different types, or varieties, of the Verticordia densiflora species.
Quick facts for kids Verticordia densiflora var. rosteostella |
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| Conservation status | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Myrtales |
| Family: | Myrtaceae |
| Genus: | Verticordia |
| Species: | |
| Varietas: |
V. d. var. rosteostella
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| Trinomial name | |
| Verticordia densiflora var. rosteostella A.S.George
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Contents
What Does This Plant Look Like?
Verticordia densiflora var. rosteostella is a shrub with branches that spread out. It usually grows to be about 30 to 60 centimeters (12 to 24 inches) tall. It can also spread out to be 40 to 90 centimeters (16 to 35 inches) wide. Sometimes, it can even grow taller, up to 1.3 meters (4.3 feet) high!
Its leaves can be different shapes, from long and thin to oval-shaped. The leaves closest to the flowers are quite small, about 1.5 to 2.0 millimeters (0.06 to 0.08 inches) wide.
The Flowers of Verticordia densiflora var. rosteostella
The flowers of this plant have a lovely scent. They grow in many small groups on straight stems that are 2 to 4 millimeters (0.08 to 0.16 inches) long. The flowers look like tiny stars and are creamy-white and pink. Sometimes, they can even be lemon yellow and pink!
Each flower has a cup-shaped base, which is about 1.5 millimeters (0.06 inches) long. The sepals, which are like small leaves that protect the flower bud, are 2.3 to 2.6 millimeters (0.09 to 0.10 inches) long. They have three parts with a fringe of rough hairs. The petals are similar in color to the sepals and are 0.8 to 1.9 millimeters (0.03 to 0.07 inches) long. They are egg-shaped and have many tiny threads at their ends.
The style, which is part of the flower's reproductive system, is 5 to 6 millimeters (0.20 to 0.24 inches) long. It sticks out past the petals and is curved and hairy. This plant usually blooms from September to December.
Where Does This Plant Grow?
This special variety of V. densiflora mostly grows in sandy soil. Sometimes, it can also be found in gravel or loam (a type of rich soil). It often grows alongside other types of Verticordia plants in areas called heath and shrubland.
You can find this plant between the towns of Kalbarri and Eneabba near the coast of Western Australia. It also grows further inland, as far as Morawa. These areas are part of the Avon Wheatbelt and Geraldton Sandplains regions, which are special areas known for their unique plants and animals.
How Is This Plant Protected?
The Western Australian Government's Department of Parks and Wildlife has given Verticordia densiflora var. rosteostella a special classification. It is listed as "Priority Three". This means that not a lot is known about this plant, and it's only found in a few places. However, it's not currently in immediate danger of disappearing. This classification helps protect it and makes sure people keep an eye on its population.
