Cryptandra distigma explained

Cryptandra distigma is a flowering plant in the family Rhamnaceae and is endemic to inland Western Australia. It is a shrub with oblong or narrowly egg-shaped leaves and clusters of white to cream-coloured, tube-shaped flowers.

Description

Cryptandra distigma is a shrub that typically grows to a height of, its young stems densely covered with fine, matted hairs. The leaves are oblong to narrowly egg-shaped with the narrower end towards the base, long and wide, on a petiole long with stipules long at the base. The upper surface of the leaves is glabrous and the edges are rolled under, concealing the lower surface. The flowers are white to cream-coloured and borne in clusters of 3 to 15, wide. The floral tube is long and joined at the base for . The sepals are long and hairy, and the style is long. Flowering mainly occurs from June to September.[1] [2]

Taxonomy and naming

Cryptandra distigma was first formally described in 1995 by Barbara Lynette Rye and the description was published in the journal Nuytsia.[3] The specific epithet (distigma ) means "double stigma", referring to the two lobes of the stigma.

Distribution and habitat

This cryptandra grows in sand on sandplains and dunes from Kirgell Rocks Station to Widgiemooltha and from Wallaroo to the Queen Victoria Spring Nature Reserve in the Coolgardie, Esperance Plains, Great Victoria Desert, Mallee and Murchison bioregions of Western Australia.

Conservation status

Cryptandra distigma is listed as "not threatened" by the Government of Western Australia Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.

Notes and References

  1. Rye . Barbara . New and priority taxa in the genera Cryptandra and Stenanthemum (Rhamnaceae) of Western Australia.. Nuytsia . 1995 . 10 . 2 . 267–269 . 11 November 2022.
  2. Web site: Paczkowska . Grazyna . Cryptandra distigma . Florabase-the Western Australian Flora . Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions . 24 October 2022.
  3. Web site: Cryptandra distigma. APNI. 11 November 2022.