Myrsine platystigma is a flowering plant in the family Primulaceae. It is a shrub or tree endemic to Lord Howe Island.[2] The specific epithet comes from the Greek platys (“broad”) and stigma, with reference to the relatively broad stigma.[1]

Myrsine platystigma
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Ericales
Family: Primulaceae
Genus: Myrsine
Species:
M. platystigma
Binomial name
Myrsine platystigma
Synonyms[2]

Rapanea platystigma (F.Muell.) Mez (1902)

Description

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It is a shrub or small tree, growing to 3–6 m in height. The oblanceolate elliptic leaves are 3.5–7 cm long and 1–2.5 cm wide. The tiny flowers are greenish white, spotted and streaked reddish brown. The small round fruits are 3.5–4 mm in diameter and purple when ripe.[1]

Distribution and habitat

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The plant is endemic to Australia’s subtropical Lord Howe Island in the Tasman Sea, where it is widespread and commonly found from the lowlands to an elevation of about 400 m.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d " Rapanea platystigma ". Flora of Australia Online: Data derived from Flora of Australia Volume 49 (1994). Australian Biological Resources Study (ABRS). Retrieved 2014-02-11.
  2. ^ a b Myrsine platystigma F.Muell. Plants of the World Online. Retrieved 5 October 2023.