Leucochrysum alpinum explained

Leucochrysum alpinum, commonly known as alpine sunray,[1] is a flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is a small, clumping perennial with grey leaves, white flower-heads and is endemic to Australia.

Description

Leucochrysum alpinum is a perennial herb to about high and leaves that are woolly and whitish. The white flower heads are in diameter, outer involucral bracts oblong or oval-shaped, mostly purplish or brownish, sessile and florets yellow. Flowering occurs from December to February and the fruit is an egg-shaped achene long, smooth to almost warty, bristly and brown.[1] [2]

Taxonomy

Leucochrysum alpinum was first described in 1859 by Ferdinand von Mueller who gave it the name Helipterum incanum var. alpinum. In 2010 R.J.Dennis & Neville Grant Walsh changed the name to Leucochrysum alpinum and the description was published in Muelleria.[3] [4]

Distribution and habitat

Alpine sunray grows at higher altitudes and in subalpine heath and grasslands mostly on shallow soils in New South Wales and Victoria.[1] [2]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Leucochrysum alpinum . PlantNET-NSW Flora online . Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney . 9 April 2024.
  2. Web site: Leucochrysum alpinum . VICFLORA-Flora of Victoria . Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria . 11 April 2024.
  3. Dennis . R.J. . Walsh . N.J. . Leucochrysum alpinum . Muelleria . 2010 . 28 . 133 . 16 April 2024.
  4. Web site: Leucochrysum alpinum . Australian Plant Name Index . 16 April 2024.