Wee Jasper grevillea facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wee Jasper grevillea |
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| Grevillea iaspicula in Bowral | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Grevillea
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| Species: |
iaspicula
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The Wee Jasper grevillea (scientific name: Grevillea iaspicula) is a special type of shrub. It is found only in a small area of southern New South Wales, Australia. This plant is currently in danger of disappearing forever.
Contents
What Does It Look Like?
The Wee Jasper grevillea is a shrub that usually grows to be about 1.2 to 2.5 meters (4 to 8 feet) tall. Its leaves are about 2 to 3 centimeters (less than an inch) long. The edges of the leaves curl backwards.
Its flowers hang down in branched groups. They appear from late autumn to late spring. The flower parts (called perianths) are green or cream-colored. They often have a light pink blush. The styles, which are part of the flower's reproductive system, are pink or red. After flowering, the plant produces a hairy seed pod, known as a follicle.
Its Family Tree
The Wee Jasper grevillea was first officially described in 1986. A scientist named Donald McGillivray gave it its formal name. He wrote about it in his book, New Names in Grevillea (Proteaceae).
The very first plant used to describe the species (called the type specimen) was found in 1980. It was discovered on private land near Wee Jasper. The name iaspicula comes from the Latin word for Wee Jasper. This shows where the plant naturally grows.
In the Flora of Australia book series, this plant is placed within the larger Grevillea group. It belongs to the Floribunda Group and then the Rosmarinifolia Subgroup. This helps scientists understand how different plants are related.
Where Does It Grow?
The Wee Jasper grevillea grows in a very small area. You can find it around Wee Jasper and near Lake Burrinjuck. It prefers rocky areas with limestone. Many of these plants grow on land that is privately owned.
How Does It Live?
Scientists believe that birds help to pollinate the Wee Jasper grevillea. This means birds visit the flowers and help them make seeds.
Why Is It Endangered?
The Wee Jasper grevillea is in serious trouble. The Australian government lists it as "critically endangered." This is the highest level of risk, meaning it faces a very high chance of dying out. The New South Wales government also lists it as "endangered."
Many things threaten this plant. These include animals eating the plants (grazing), harmful weeds, bushfires, and long periods without rain (drought). Experts believe that without human help, this plant might not survive in the wild. People are working to grow more plants and protect them.
Can You Grow It?
People have only recently started growing the Wee Jasper grevillea in gardens. It is not yet easy to find in most plant nurseries. You might find it at special nurseries that focus on native plants.
This plant has many good qualities for gardens. It can grow in different types of soil. It responds well to pruning, which means trimming it helps it grow better. It can also handle heavy frost. New plants can be grown from cuttings, which means taking a piece of the plant and helping it grow roots.
See also
In Spanish: Grevillea iaspicula para niños
