Family, Genus and Species - Essay Example

A mix of dense, green-grey colors, they provide a rich ornamental view of open places giving a natural feel to a concrete neighborhood. They are intolerant of shade and require space. The name Grevillea is in memory of Charles F. Greville (1749-1807), one of the founders of the Royal Horticultural Society of London.
As diverse as trees, shrubs, and ground covers, Proteaceae plants are found in frost-free, arid regions with scanty rainfall. Warm, dry conditions suit these plants and they thrive in environments that other plants may not find conducive to survival. Some also bloom in winter.
The name Proteaceae is taken after the Greek god, Proteus, whose penchant for self-transformations in various shapes has passed on to the plant which also assumes different shapes in different regions of the world.
Proteaceae plants of different types are found in Central and South America, Africa, and the southern region of Asia. (Harry Levin).
Soil
The protea species are tough, hard, and resilient. They require minimal nutrients, very little moisture, and loose and gravelly soil. The plant is designed to survive in tough conditions by retaining moisture in its leaves and flowers. It is not compatible with moist saturated soil and is more suited for mineral-rich soil with less phosphate content and where water drains fast. Hillside slopes where the soil is loose also serve as an ideal breeding ground for Proteaceae plants.
Grevillea robusta grows on normal and even strongly acid soil.
The flower is the size of a dinner plate. It is showy and decorative. It has brilliant orange-yellow color. The flowers are nectar-bearing, and attract birds and insects. Some species attract insects and trap them with their sticky exterior killing them for no apparent reason.
Leaves
Proteaceae leaves range from large, round rainforest types to the needle-like variety. Hairless and green on the surface, the leaf bears white or ash-colored silky hair underneath. It is alternate and two to four inches in size. The pointed fern-like leaves of Grevillea robusta give way to the beautiful golden yellow bloom of the flowers during spring. (University of Connecticut).
The leaves cause quite a litter at the onset of spring as they begin to shed in large numbers. (Edward F. Gilman and Dennis G. Watson).
Pollination
The plant’s reproduction system is unique and contains both male and female functions.
The flower performs bisexual functions by its ability to reproduce on its own.
Figure 1 shows the Grevillea robusta immature flower with the perianth (four dark pink yellow border strips). Figure 2 shows G. robusta mature flower without the perianth and the ovary, style, and the pollen presenter with stigma visible.
The outer part of the flower is a bract called perianth. The bract is a scale-like covering found around the lower part of a flower. It is hard and protects the inner portion from cold. It also hides the sex organs of the flower. The male sex organ called “androecium” is four anthers found in the inner wall of the perianth. They produce pollen.
The female sex organ is called the “gynoecium.” It is a tiny ovary at the lower end of the flower and is closely surrounded by the male “androecium.”
Trunk, bark, and branches
The trunk stands upright and is susceptible to breaking if the wood becomes weak due to unsuitable soil, strong winds, or improper formation. The wood could be strengthened with periodical pruning. The color of the trunk may be brown or grey.


The Australian Cockroach (Periplaneta australasiae), is about 35 mm in length minus its antennae which is longer than its body size and is a normal pest. Their life spans 8 to 12 months, and the female deposits oothecae (eggs case) once every 5 to 7 days. About twenty cockroach nymphs start emerging from the oothecae in around 60 days.
Life in tropical regions and during cooler temperatures may seek shelter indoors.
Despite its name, Australian Cockroaches are found all over the world. Their body is flexible and the cockroaches are capable of squeezing through spaces smaller than their body size. Read More