Blue Oak
Description: "The blue oak is a short tree with an open canopy. The canopy is typically rounded with many crooked branches. The tree grows to average heights of 30 feet." (http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/chaparral_plant_page.htm) Niche: Provides food, wood and shelter. Habitat: Blue Oaks like open savanna and open woodlands with shrubby understories. Adaptation to environment: Blue Oak trees will sometimes shed their leaves during the summers. The leaves decompose and provide nutrients. It also helps hold the water in the surroundng areas. Animals they are dependent on: Because this tree is not native, there arent any animals that help it grow and survive. Relationship: There is no relationship between Blue Oak trees and animals. |
King Protea
Description: The flower of the King Protea can get to be 12 inches across. On the outside, it has many pointed, narrow petals that make it look like a cup. The bottom half of the petals are bright pink or velvet red. The leaves are large, dark green, and glossy. Niche: The sweet nectar from the flowers is consumed directly. Habitat: King Proteas' like the atmosphere to be dry and the soil to have good drainage. Adaptation to environment: The King Protea can take in moisture through its leaves. This helps them survive the dry, Australian summers. Animals they are dependent on: These flowers are a rich source of nectar which attracts sunbirds, sugar birds, honeybees, monkey beetles, rove beetles and scarab beetles. These animals are responsible for the pollination of this plant. Relationship: These animals keep the King Protea from going extinct. |
Tallerack
Description: The leaves, buds, fruits and stems are white and waxy. The buds have four sides. Almost a cubic shape. Habitat: The Tallerback is widespread on sandplains in Western Australia. It also grows over gravel or limestone. Adaptation to environment: This tree is able to tolerate droughts. It responses to great changes in the landscape, soils and climate. Animals they are dependent on: Insects are needed to pollinate these trees. Relationship: This keeps the Tallerack from dying out. |
Fairy Duster
Description: The leaves of the Fairy Duster are deep green with a feathery look. The flowers are light pink, fluffy clusters that grow up to 2 inches in diameter. Niche: The Fairy Duster is a great plant for animals to get shade. Habitat: Fairy Duster's love the heat. They grow on open hillsides, sandy desert washes and slopes. Adaptation to environment: Fairy dusters' leaves close slightly at night, helping the shrubs conserve moisture. In extreme drought they shed all their leaves. Animals they are dependent on: This plant does not depend on animals for pollination. It drops seeds that sprout when the surrounding soil is warm. Relationship: There is no relationship with any animal needed for this plant to survive. |
Sagebrush
Description: A shrub that grows anywhere from 2-7 feet tall. the stem is gray. It has wedge-shaped leaves. Niche: Sagebrush is a nesting plant for many animals in the Australian Mallee. Habitat: Sagebrush prefers drier plains or rocky areas with deep soils. Adaptation to environment: Sagebrush plants do not loose their leaves over the winter. This allows photosynthesis later in the year and earlier in the spring. The leaves contain aromatic volatile oils to prevent herbivores from digesting their leaves. Animals they are dependent on: The Sagebrush does not depend on animals to survive or reproduce. It spreads by root sprouts or seeds. Relationship: There is no relationship. |