Calytrix arborescens is a species of flowering plant in the myrtle family Myrtaceae and is endemic to the Northern Territory. It is a shrub or tree with egg-shaped leaves and clusters of white flowers with 45 to 60 white stamens in 2 rows.
| Calytrix arborescens | |
|---|---|
| |
| Near Gunbalanya, Northern Territory | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Myrtales |
| Family: | Myrtaceae |
| Genus: | Calytrix |
| Species: | C. arborescens
|
| Binomial name | |
| Calytrix arborescens | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
| |
Description
editCalytrix arborescens is a shrub or tree that typically grows to a height of up to 7 m (23 ft), and has ocerlapping egg-shaped leaves, broadly triangular in cross-section, 1–2 mm (0.039–0.079 in) long, 0.75–1.0 mm (0.030–0.039 in) wide and sessile. There is a stipules up to 0.2 mm (0.0079 in) long at the base of the leaves. The flowers are arranged singly in leaf axils, the floral tube is a tapering cylinder with 10 ribs and 5–9 mm (0.20–0.35 in) long. The sepals are joined at the base, 3.5–5.0 mm (0.14–0.20 in) long and 1.5–2.0 mm (0.059–0.079 in) long with a pointed awn. The petals are white, narrowly lance-shaped, 5.0–7.25 mm (0.197–0.285 in) long and 2.25–2.75 mm (0.089–0.108 in) wide and there are about 50 to 60 white stamens in 2 rows. Flowering occurs between June and October.[2][3]
Taxonomy
editCalytrix arborescens was first formally described in 1859 by Ferdinand von Mueller who gave it the name Calycothrix arborescens in the Transactions of the Philosopical Institute of Victoria from specimens collected "in arid bushy plains" near the headwaters of the Roper and Limmen Bight Rivers.[4] In 1867, George Bentham transferred the species to Calytrix as C. arborescens in his Flora Australiensis.[5] The specific epithet (arborescens) means "becoming tree-like".[6]
Distribution and habitat
editThis starflower grows on white sand on sandy alluvial flats and in woodland and heathy scrub on sandstone in the Arnhem Coast, Arnhem Plateau, Daly Basin, Darwin Coastal, Gulf Fall and Uplands, Pine Creek and Tiwi Cobourg bioregions in the north of the Northern Territory.[2][3]
References
edit- ^ a b "Calytrix arborescens". Australian Plant Census. Retrieved 22 June 2024.
- ^ a b Craven, Lyndley (1987). "A taxonomic revision of Calytrix Labill. (Myrtaceae)". Brunonia: 60–61.
- ^ a b "Calytrix arborescens". Northern Territory Government. Retrieved 23 June 2024.
- ^ "Calycothrix arborescens". Australian Plant Name Index. Retrieved 23 June 2024.
- ^ "Calytrix arborescens". Australian Plant Name Index. Retrieved 23 June 2024.
- ^ Sharr, Francis Aubi; George, Alex (2019). Western Australian Plant Names and Their Meanings (3rd ed.). Kardinya, WA: Four Gables Press. p. 136. ISBN 9780958034180.