Water bush facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Water bush |
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Bossiaea aquifolium, commonly known as the water bush or nedik, is a special flowering plant. It belongs to the pea family, which is called Fabaceae. This plant grows only in the Southwest Australia region. The local Noongar people have their own name for it: netic.
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What Does the Water Bush Look Like?
The water bush can be a tree or a smaller bush. It usually grows from about 0.6 to 8 meters (2 to 26 feet) tall. Its leaves are quite unique, looking a bit like holly leaves. They are round with wavy edges and have nine or more sharp points. These leaves grow opposite each other and are about 0.8 to 2.2 centimeters (0.3 to 0.9 inches) long.
When it blooms, usually between July and November, the water bush shows off beautiful orange to yellow and red to brown flowers. These flowers look like peas and are about 20 millimeters (0.8 inches) wide. They often bloom all at once, making a lovely display. The plant produces small seeds; about 70 seeds weigh one gram.
A botanist named George Bentham first described this plant in 1864. He wrote about it in a science journal called Flora Australiensis.
Where Does the Water Bush Grow?
You can find the water bush in the Jarrah Forest and Warren areas of Western Australia. These areas are in the South West and Great Southern regions. It likes to grow in clay or loam soils. These soils are often found over rock types like laterite or granite.
The water bush is a common plant that grows under taller trees in forests. It is often seen where jarrah and marri trees are found.
How to Grow the Water Bush
You can grow the water bush from its seeds. It prefers soil that drains well and is a bit moist. It also likes a spot that is partly protected from harsh weather. This plant can handle dry conditions, meaning it is drought resistant. However, it does not like frost and can be damaged by it.
Before you plant the seeds, it's a good idea to treat them. You can soak them in hot water or gently scratch their outer layer. This process, called scarification, helps the seeds sprout more easily.
Types of Water Bush
There are two main types, or subspecies, of Bossiaea aquifolium:
- Bossiaea aquifolium subsp. aquifolium
- Bossiaea aquiafolium subsp. laidlawiana
