Lechenaultia aphylla explained

Lechenaultia aphylla is a species of flowering plant in the family Goodeniaceae and is endemic to arid parts of inland Australia. It is a glabrous herb or subshrub with spreading branches, almost no leaves, and yellow, tube-shaped flowers.

Description

Lechenaultia aphylla is a glabrous herb or subshrub that typically grows to a height of up to with spreading branches. Its few leaves are scattered and long but soon fall off. The flowers are borne singly or in small groups on the ends of branchlets, the sepals long. The petals form a yellow tube long, the tube hairy inside. The wings on the lower petal lobes are triangular, wide. Flowering occurs sporadically and the fruit is about long.[1]

Taxonomy

Lechenaultia aphylla was first formally described in 1992 by David A. Morrison in the Flora of Australia from specimens collected near Mount Finke by David Eric Symon in 1987.[2] The specific epithet (aphylla) means "without leaves".[3]

Distribution and habitat

This leschenaultia has been recorded between sand dunes and on flats in open shrubland and is only known from a few locations near Yellabine north of Ceduna in South Australia and in the Great Victoria Desert in Western Australia.[4]

Conservation status

Lechenaultia aphylla is listed as "Priority One" by the Government of Western Australia Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, meaning that it is known from only one or a few locations which are potentially at risk.[5]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Lechenaultia aphylla . Australian Biological Resources Study, Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment: Canberra . 20 January 2022.
  2. Web site: Lechenaultia aphylla. APNI. 20 January 2022.
  3. Book: Sharr . Francis Aubi . George . Alex . Western Australian Plant Names and Their Meanings . 2019 . Four Gables Press . Kardinya, WA . 9780958034180 . 135 . 3rd.
  4. Sage . Leigh W. . Conservation status of Lechenaultia aphylla (Goodeniaceae), a disturbance opportunist from the Great Victoria Desert, Australia . Australian Systematic Botany . 2003 . 9 . 2 . 152–155 . 10.1071/PC030152.
  5. Web site: Conservation codes for Western Australian Flora and Fauna. Government of Western Australia Department of Parks and Wildlife. 20 January 2022.