Leptospermum rupestre explained

Leptospermum rupestre, commonly known as alpine tea-tree or prostrate tea-tree,[1] is a flowering shrub in the myrtle family, Myrtaceae. It is endemic to Tasmania. In alpine areas it assumes a prostrate habit while in subalpine areas it appears as a large shrub.

Description

Leptospermum rupestre is a common alpine and subalpine shrub in Tasmania. The growth habit varies, at higher exposed altitudes it is a prostrate plant up to high. At lower altitudes it can become a large shrub to high. It has small, blunt, shiny dark green, oval to elliptic shaped leaves, long. The white flowers are small wide, 5 petalled, with an open habit and flower in profusion in leaf axils during summer. The reddish branches become mat-forming over rocks. The small seed capsules are about in diameter.[2] [3] [4]

Taxonomy and naming

Leptospermum rupestre was first formally described in 1840 by botanist Joseph Dalton Hooker and the description was published in Icones Plantarum.[5] [6] Robert Brown observed it growing on rocky outcrops on Mount Wellington and nearby mountains. The word rupestre is derived from the Latin word rupestris,[7] meaning rocky, referring to the habitat where it was found.[5]

Distribution and habitat

This species is endemic to Tasmania, found growing in a sunny situation on light to medium soils.[1]

Cultivation

It is one of the hardiest species of its genus and is suitable for cultivation outdoors.[8]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Leptospermum rupestre . Ole Lantana's Seed Store . 20 December 2019.
  2. Book: Wrigley . John W. . Fagg . Murray . Australian Native Plants . 2001 . Louise Eggerton-Read New Holland . 1-876334-30-4.
  3. Web site: Leptospermum rupestre . Australian Native Plants-Online . 19 December 2019.
  4. Web site: Leptospermum rupestre (Myrtaceae). 10 January 2012 . Key to Tasmanian vascular plants. University of Tasmania.
  5. Web site: Icones Plantarum . Biodiversity Heritage Library . 18 December 2019.
  6. Web site: Leptospermum rupestre . Australian Plant Name Index . 19 December 2019.
  7. Book: Francis Aubie Sharr . Francis Aubie Sharr . Western Australian Plant Names and their Meanings . 2019 . Four Gables Press . Kardinya Western Australia . 9780958034180 . 299.
  8. Dawson, M. (2012). "Australian Leptospermum in cultivation: species and cultivars." NZ Garden J, 15, 14-22.