Verticordia densiflora var. stelluligera facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Verticordia densiflora var. stelluligera |
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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. stelluligera
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| Trinomial name | |
| Verticordia densiflora var. stelluligera A.S.George
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Verticordia densiflora var. stelluligera is a beautiful flowering plant. It belongs to the myrtle family, called Myrtaceae. This plant is special because it is endemic to the south-west part of Western Australia. This means it naturally grows only in that area. It is a shrub with branches that spread out. It has small leaves and pretty clusters of flowers that can be yellowish, pink, or cream-colored. This plant is one of five different types, or varieties, of the species Verticordia densiflora.
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What Does This Plant Look Like?
Verticordia densiflora var. stelluligera is a shrub that grows with open branches. It can reach a height of about 0.4–2 m (1–7 ft). Its leaves can be long and thin, or shaped like an egg. The leaves closest to the flowers are egg-shaped and slightly cupped. They are about 2.0–2.5 mm (0.08–0.1 in) wide.
Its Beautiful Flowers
The flowers of this plant have a lovely scent. They grow in many small groups on straight stems. These stems are usually 1.5–2 mm (0.06–0.08 in) long, but sometimes they can be 4 mm (0.2 in) long. The flowers themselves can be white, cream, or lemon-yellow. Some are bright yellow, while others are a mix of pink and cream.
The base of the flower, called the floral cup, looks like half a ball. It is about 1.5 mm (0.06 in) long and feels smooth. However, it is hairy near its bottom. The sepals, which are like small leaves that protect the flower bud, are about 2.4–2.6 mm (0.09–0.1 in) long. They have three parts, each with a fringe of rough hairs.
The petals are the colorful parts of the flower. They are similar in color to the sepals and are about 1.4–1.7 mm (0.06–0.07 in) long. They are egg-shaped and have many tiny threads at their ends. The style is a long, thin part of the flower, about 4–5 mm (0.16–0.20 in) long. It sticks out beyond the petals and is curved and hairy. This plant usually flowers from September to December.
How Was This Plant Named?
The main species, Verticordia densiflora, was first officially described by a person named John Lindley in 1839. He wrote about it in a book called A Sketch of the Vegetation of the Swan River Colony. Later, in 1991, a scientist named Alex George studied the whole genus of Verticordia plants. During his study, he described five different varieties of Verticordia densiflora, including this one.
Where Does This Plant Grow?
This variety of V. densiflora usually grows in sandy soil. Sometimes it can be found in soil mixed with gravel or loam. It often grows alongside other types of Verticordia plants in areas called heath and shrubland. You can find it between the towns of Kalbarri and Eneabba, which are near the coast. It also grows further inland, near Morawa and Mullewa. These areas are part of the Avon Wheatbelt and Geraldton Sandplains regions.
Is This Plant Protected?
The Western Australian Government's Department of Parks and Wildlife has looked at Verticordia densiflora var. stelluligera. They have officially said that it is "not threatened." This means there are enough of these plants in the wild, and they are not currently in danger of disappearing.
How People Use This Plant
People have tried to grow this plant from cuttings. Cuttings are small pieces of the plant that can grow into new plants. However, the young plants were sometimes affected by fungus. When plants were treated with special medicine for fungus, they grew well. They grew best in sand with a layer of gravel on top. When grown, these plants produce many flowers. These blooms are very attractive in flower arrangements. If you dry the flowers, they keep their color for several months, making them nice for decorations.
