Homoranthus zeteticorum explained

Homoranthus zeteticorum is a flowering plant in the family Myrtaceae and is endemic to a small area in central Queensland. It is a tall shrub with axehead-shaped leaves and pendulous flowers with darker styles.

Description

Homoranthus zeteticorum is an upright shrub, the leaves are arranged opposite on a short petiole. The flowers are red, sepals red, long and the styles black and long. Flowering occurs sporadically throughout the year and the fruit is a one-seeded nut.^[1]

Taxonomy and naming

Homoranthus zeteticorum was first formally described in 1991 by Lyndley Craven and Sandra Raelene Jones and the description was published in Australian Systematic Botany.^{[2] [3]} The specific epithet (zeteticorum) is from the Greek zetetikos, meaning "disposed to research", latinised and given the genitive plural form, meaning "in honour of persons who, for their enjoyment, explore natural vegetation".^{[4] [5]}

Distribution and habitat

This homoranthus grows in shrubby woodland and heath on shallow, sandy soils derived from sandstone. It is only known from the Salvator Rosa section of Carnarvon National Park where it grows on Homoranthus Hill.^{[1] [6] [7]}

Conservation status

Homoranthus zeteticorum is considered a rare species with a restricted distribution. ROTAP conservation code 2RC-, Briggs and Leigh (1996).^[1]

External links

• The Australasian Virtual Herbarium – Occurrence data for zeteticorum

Notes and References

1. Copeland . Lachlan M. . Craven . Lyn A. . Bruhl . Jeremy J. . A taxonomic review of Homoranthus (Myrtaceae: Chamelaucieae) . Australian Systematic Botany . 2011 . 24 . 6 . 351 . 10.1071/SB11015.
2. Web site: Homoranthus zeteticorum. APNI. 25 August 2018.
3. Craven . Lyndley A. . Jones . S R. . A taxonomic review of Homoranthus and two new species of Darwinia (both Myrtaceae, Chamelaucieae) . Australian Systematic Botany . 1991 . 4 . 3 . 513 . 10.1071/SB9910513 . 19 August 2018.
4. Book: Francis Aubie Sharr. Western Australian Plant Names and their Meanings . 2019 . Four Gables Press . Kardinya, Western Australia . 9780958034180 . 343.
5. Book: Brophy. Joseph J.. Craven. Lyndley A.. Doran. John C.. Melaleucas : their botany, essential oils and uses. 2013. Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research. Canberra. 9781922137517. 393.
6. Copeland . Lachlan M. . Craven . Lyn A. . Bruhl . Jeremy J. . A taxonomic review of Homoranthus (Myrtaceae:Chamelaucieae) . Australian Systematic Botany . 2011 . 24 . 6 . 363–364 . 10.1071/SB11015.
7. Web site: Homoranthus zeteticorum . Queensland Parks & Forests . Department of Environment and Science . 26 November 2021.