Callistachys Explained

Callistachys lanceolata, commonly known as the wonnich, native willow,[1] or greenbush[2] is the sole species in the genus Callistachys. It is a species of erect shrub or small tree that is native to the south-west of Western Australia and is naturalised in some other Australian states.

Description

Callistachys lanceolata is an erect evergreen tree or shrub that typically grows to a height of and has silky-hairy young stems. The plant has conspicuous and attractive inflorescence composed of racemes with yellow flowers. The plant flowers from September to January.[3] The leaves of the plant are leathery and are arranged in whorls, most typically with three leaves per whorl. The leaves are generally regular in shape between 401NaN1 to 1701NaN1 in length and 42NaN2 to 301NaN1 in width and have pointed tips.[4]

Distribution and habitat

Callistachys lanceolata occurs in the South West corner and South Coast of Western Australia. It grows well in sandy soils in areas that are damp, particularly along watercourses, swamps and culverts.

Taxonomy

The genus Callistachys[5] and Callistachys lanceolata[6] were first formally described in 1805 by Étienne Pierre Ventenat in his book, Jardin de la Malmaison.[7]

Use in horticulture

Seeds can be collected from the plant but the pods the seeds are found in should be left to dry on the plant before they are broken open. The seeds should be scarified before sowing.[8]

Notes and References

  1. Book: Corrick . Margaret G. . Fuhrer . Bruce A. . Wildflowers of Southern Western Australia . 2009 . Rosenberg Publishing P/L . Dural N.S.W. . 9781877058844 . 58.
  2. Web site: Jeanes . Jeff A. . Stajsic . Val . Callistachys lanceolata . Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria . 13 December 2023.
  3. Web site: Australian National University - School of Botany and Zoology. 2008. 5 April 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20070914150135/http://www.anu.edu.au/BoZo/Crisp/Mirbelieae/Callistachys.html. 14 September 2007. dead. dmy-all.
  4. Web site: WRC/CALM - Native Vegetation of Freshwater Rivers and Creeks in south Western Australia. 1997. 5 April 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20080726022212/http://portal.water.wa.gov.au/portal/page/portal/WaterQuality/Publications/RiparianPlantsFieldGuide/Content/Native%20vegetation%20of%20freshwater.pdf. 26 July 2008. dead. dmy-all.
  5. Web site: Callistachys. APNI. 13 December 2023.
  6. Web site: Callistachys lanceolata. APNI. 13 December 2023.
  7. Book: Ventenat . Étienne P. . Jardin de la Malmaison . 1805 . 2 . Paris . 115 . 13 December 2023.
  8. Web site: Dave's Garden - PlantFiles Callistachys lanceolata. 2008. 17 April 2008.