Lechenaultia magnifica explained

Lechenaultia magnifica, commonly known as magnificent leschenaultia,[1] is a species of flowering plant in the family Goodeniaceae and is endemic to the south-west of Western Australia. It is an erect, perennial herb or subshrub with crowded, linear to narrowly lance-shaped leaves, and pink to mauve or purple flowers.

Description

Lechenaultia magnifica is an erect, perennial herb or subshrub that typically grows to a height of up to and has pimply foliage. The leaves are crowded, linear to narrowly lance-shaped, long and wide, but longer near the flowers. The flowers are arranged in compact groups, the sepals more or less linear, long and the petals long, pink to mauve or purple with long, soft hairs inside the petal tube. The petal lobes are long, the upper lobes erect with wings wide, the lower lobes long and wide. Flowering has been observed in November, and the fruit is long.[2]

Taxonomy

Lechenaultia magnifica was first formally described in 2006 by Leigh William Sage in the journal Nuytsia from material collected by Fred Hort near Bindoon in 2002.[3] The specific epithet (magnifica) means "splendid" or "magnificent", referring to the floral display of this species.[4]

Distribution and habitat

Magnificent lechenaultia is only known from the Bindoon area in south-western Western Australia where it grows in open woodland.

Conservation status

This lechenaultia 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 that are potentially at risk.[5]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Morrison . David A. . Lechenaultia magnifica . Australian Biological Resources Study, Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment: Canberra . 26 February 2022.
  2. Sage . Leigh W. . Three new species of Lechenaultia (Goodeniaceae) from south-west Western Australia, and a new key to the genus . Nuytsia . 2006 . 16 . 1 . 163 . 26 February 2022.
  3. Web site: Lechenaultia magnifica. APNI. 26 February 2022.
  4. Book: Sharr . Francis Aubi . George . Alex . Western Australian Plant Names and Their Meanings . 2019 . Four Gables Press . Kardinya, WA . 9780958034180 . 247 . 3rd.
  5. Web site: Conservation codes for Western Australian Flora and Fauna. Government of Western Australia Department of Parks and Wildlife. 26 February 2022.