Calytrix aurea explained

Calytrix aurea is a species of flowering plant in the myrtle family Myrtaceae and is endemic to the south-west of Western Australia. It is a shrub with elliptic, lance-shaped or linear leaves and clusters of yellow flowers with 25 to 55 yellow stamens in several rows.

Description

Calytrix aurea is a shrub that typically grows to a height of . Its leaves are elliptic, lance-shaped or linear, long and wide on a petiole up to long. There is a stipule long at the base of the petiole. The flowers are arranged singly in clusters, each flower on a peduncle long. The floral tube has 10 to 12 ribs and is long. The sepals are joined at the base, long with an awn up to long. The petals are yellow, egg-shaped to elliptic, long and wide, and there are about 25 to 55 yellow stamens in 2 or 3 rows. Flowering occurs from October to December or January.[1]

Taxonomy

Calytrix aurea was first formally described by botanist John Lindley in 1839 in A sketch of the vegetation of the Swan River Colony.[2] [3] The specific epithet (aurea) means "golden".[4]

Distribution and habitat

This species of Calytrix grows in heath on sand, often over laterite and occurs between the Arrowsmith River area and Perth, in the Avon Wheatbelt, Geraldton Sandplains, Jarrah Forest and Swan Coastal Plain bioregions of south-western Western Australia.

Use in horticulture

This plant performs best in a sunny position and requires a well-drained situation, such as a built-up rockery. Plants are readily propagated by cuttings.[5]

Notes and References

  1. Craven . Lyndley . A taxonomic revision of Calytrix Labill. (Myrtaceae). . Brunonia . 1987 . 92–93.
  2. Web site: Calytrix aurea . Australian Plant Name Index . 14 July 2024.
  3. Book: Lindley . John . A Sketch of the Vegetation of the Swan River Colony . 1839 . James Ridgway . London . vi . 14 July 2024.
  4. Book: Sharr . Francis Aubi . George . Alex . Western Australian Plant Names and Their Meanings . 2019 . Four Gables Press . Kardinya, WA . 9780958034180 . 140 . 3rd.
  5. Book: Wrigley J.W. and Fagg M.. 1979. Australian Native Plants. William Collins Publishers Sydney, Australia. 0-00-216416-7.